For collectors of Cold War-era firearms, few opportunities rival the chance to acquire a complete trio that encapsulates Chinese military heritage all in one lot. With just one winning bid, you can bring home three Cold War icons offered in the August Collection. This set, comprising the Norinco 56S underfolder, Norinco SKS and Type 54 Tokarev, offers a sweeping view of China’s adaptation of Soviet small arms designs during one of the most geopolitically charged eras of the 20th Century.
Trifecta of History
The centerpiece of this collection is the Norinco 56S, a semi-automatic civilian variant of the Chinese Type 56 AK. It was built at the renowned Triangle 66 Factory in 1979. Imported to the United States prior to the 1989 import ban, the 56S remains one of the most sought-after Chinese AKs on the market. This underfolder variant combines the battle-proven reliability of the AK platform with a compact, collapsible stock for storage and transport. Original Norinco imports like this are increasingly scarce, and unmodified examples are highly prized for their authenticity and historical value.
Complementing the 56S is the Norinco SKS. This semi-automatic rifle bridges the gap between the bolt-action era and the full-automatic assault rifle. Like the 56S, this SKS was also made in 1979. Also chambered in 7.62×39mm, the SKS was a mainstay of Chinese infantry forces in the mid-20th Century. This example comes equipped with its original folding spike bayonet and canvas sling, preserving its field-ready military configuration.
Known for its soft recoil, solid accuracy and near-indestructible build quality, the SKS continues to enjoy popularity among shooters. Its fixed magazine and integral bayonet evoke a time before detachable magazines became standard. This makes it a transitional piece in military firearm history. Long gone are the days of $99 SKS rifles sitting in barrels at gun shows. They’ve become highly collectible and are unlikely to take any kind of a downward dip as supply gets lower and demand increases.
Rounding out the trio is a Type 54 Tokarev pistol. This is a Chinese-produced version of the Soviet TT-33. This example dates to 1965. Chambered in the high-velocity 7.62×25mm Tokarev cartridge, the Type 54 was a favorite sidearm of Chinese and other Warsaw Pact-aligned forces. With its slim profile, single-action design and impressive muzzle velocity, the Tokarev blends brute power with straightforward mechanics. Though often overshadowed by the more ubiquitous Makarov in Eastern Bloc history, the Tokarev remains a symbol of mid-century communist armament and is a must-have for serious Cold War collectors.
Chinese Military Heritage
Visually, the trio presents a striking scene of wood and steel; each firearm a testament to utilitarian design and battlefield function. In fact, they trace China’s trajectory from post-war Soviet dependency to an independent military-industrial powerhouse. Displayed side by side, these firearms tell a cohesive story of military adaptation, geopolitical alignment and Cold War strategy.
For collectors, shooters and historians alike, this set delivers a curated slice of 20th Century history. In a market that isn’t getting any softer, original Norinco pieces like these represent enduring value and unmatched authenticity, all from Collector’s Elite Auctions.
