Anyone on give some insight

[HOLLYWOOD2316]

Hey guys i have this rifle and im needing help dating, identifying the letter in the serial number as well as getting an approximate value on this rifle. it is coated in cosmoline as you can tell from the pics 

[Greatguns]

The letter is a Latin G which would make your rifle a letter gun and from the database a late '59 build. I have one that is the same year and set up, but mine is a lot nicer and cleaner than that as mine was from a much older import and not from the recent Albania/Chinese import batches.

Given this looks to basically be what PSA, Classic, and Atlantic are selling right now then the $449-$499 price tag average they have them at is what it is worth. Buying from one of those places above after pay shipping and FFL fees as well as possible taxes you are around the $500-$575 price point. Given that, if you clean it up and get it ready to fire you could probably get between $550-$600 for it on GunBroker, but you'll have the fees to pay. You may get $600 local sale, but with the scare of ammo shortage due to the Russia sanctions it may be a slow sale unless you add ammo to the deal.

[Greatguns]

Also, welcome to the Files. If you get time go to the Introduction section and introduce yourself. Not mandatory, but we are a fairly close knit group here and like to build community. At least in my mind we do, LOL.

[Phosphorus32]

I think GG covered the info you asked for

Looks like a winner to me. A bit of gentle heat and some mineral spirits, Ballistol, RemOil spray etc. will make quick work on the metal. Gentle heat, such as direct sun, hair dryer, pre-heated 200F oven ... if the partner is out of the house  ... and paper towels are my approaches for the wood to see what vestiges of shellac finish I can keep.

If you're planning to turn around and sell it, keeping the Cosmoline may be a selling point to the collectors, or a detraction to the shooters.

I can't tell from the picture, does the stock serial number match? A side swivel stock is correct for this era of production. How about the other components?

[running-man]

I can't tell from the picture, does the stock serial number match? A side swivel stock is correct for this era of production. How about the other components?

I was going to ask the same question.  Also who is the importer?  From the lack of obvious marks in the usual CAI/IO/Foxtrot/IArms & PW Arms locations, I'm guessing a TGI import with the stamp on the barrel under the bayonet?

As for date, either '59 or '60 (perhaps even '61 though unlikely), but the exact date is still unknown. 

It looks like the stock is a period correct Chinese and it does have a S/N on it and the narrow font size is correct for a G (or L, jury is still out on that one IMO) letter gun.  If all matching it will certainly command a premium to the run of the mill Sino-Baninan imports being sold sight unseen today.  Aside from the heavy finish wear at the wood-line (perhaps some rust there too?) and some bluing wear in other places, it looks to be in quite decent shape all things considered.  Nice one!   

[BMont]

From the Horde... like others have said... Albanian probably.  I actually like the looks of those.  Clean it up...should be fine.

[Boris Badinov]

Nice catch, Hollywood.

Pretty incredible to see one of the bladed, early Alby imports still in the Balkan grease.

Don't forget the to post the After shots.

[HOLLYWOOD2316]

GUYS I GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL THE ADVICE AND INFO. WE ARE NOT PLANNING ON CLEANING IT UP TO FIRE WE ARE GOING TO LET THE BUY DETERMINE WHAT THEY WANT TO DO WITH IT. ONE MORE THING IM LOOKING FOR THE STAMP WHERE WOULD I SEE THAT AND WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU ALL FOR THE INPUT THIS IS A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE.

[Boris Badinov]

With the blade bayonet the import stamp will most likely be on the barrel fore end . Possibly on the underside and obscured by the bayonet, cleaning rod, and cosmoline.

[HOLLYWOOD2316]

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOUND

[firstchoice]

Looks like an InterOrdnance import. Here's the description on the Chinese Type 56 (Military) List of Importer's: (#82 on the list)


#82.  IO #2, IO Inc. out of Palm Bay, Florida:

I.O. INC. PALM BAY FL
M.56 7.62x39 CHINA
Type: Pin Punch
Location: Right Barrel between FSB and Gas Block
Notes: This stamp appears on guns imported in 3Q 2013.  Besides witnessing buyers of all these imports show up on gun forums across the web (as well as buying a few myself!), we have evidence like this directly from IO themselves:
Quote from: http://www.ioinc.us

    I.O.INC, the reborn Inter Ordnance,

    Relocated in summer 2013 to Florida.  With the transition to the Space Coast, we have been able to hire top quality engineers and assembly personnel, who worked before for NASA and defense contractors.  I.O. has invested heavily in new production and manufacturing equipment, as well as training policies and procedures for both assembly and customer service, in order to provide the highest quality manufacturing and service.  Many members of our manufacturing team have also served our country in the armed forces.

Hope this helps...

firstchoice

[HOLLYWOOD2316]

DOES THIS CHANGE THE VALUE IS IT LESS VALUABLE/MORE COMMON OR IS IT STILL A GOOD FIND.

[Boris Badinov]

All matching Type56 in similar confition from the Albanian caches sell in $400-$450 range from the bg online sellers like Atlantic and Classic. 

Gunbroker auctions can go a little higher.

[running-man]

In an online auction, this gun could go at the $400-$450 that the online retailers are currently selling for, or it could go a good bit more if the stock S/N matches the receiver S/N and has no cracks.  In that condition, you could see north of $550 in today's market.  The condition, while beautiful in the eyes of a typical collector who frequents this forum, is not what many who want an SKS are looking for so there is always that.  Always two sides to every price determination and right now these SinoBanians are simply not bringing a heavy premium.