Gulf War 1991 (Op GRANBY) ‘Bring Back’ — Chinese Type 56 Rifle, 7.62 × 39 mm, State Factory 386 AK Type 56 Semi-Auto 7.62x39mm Rifle

Gulf War 1991 (Op GRANBY) ‘Bring Back’ — Chinese Type 56 Rifle, 7.62 × 39 mm, State Factory 386 — Serial No. 2652610

Description

A Chinese-manufactured Type 56 rifle, produced by State Factory 386, China, chambered in 7.62 × 39 mm and identified by serial/identification number 2652610. The rifle retains its original 386-in-lozenge factory/arsenal marking and Type 56 model designation. It also retains its fitted bayonet, which forms part of its original configuration and collection presentation.

The rifle carries significant British military processing markings, including A0205A, 221 EOD, FFE, ATO and 7/8/91. The A0205A marking represents a British military Unit Identification Number (UIN), 221 EOD is associated with British Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, FFE denotes Free From Explosives, and ATO indicates Ammunition Technical Officer inspection or authorisation. The 7891 marking is interpreted as 7 August 1991, providing a specific date for the British military EOD processing.

The combination of the A0205A, 221 EOD, FFE and ATO markings together with the dated processing mark provides strong physical evidence that this individual rifle entered British military custody and underwent formal EOD/ordnance processing on 7 August 1991.

The date is historically notable, occurring only months after the 1991 Gulf War. Chinese Type 56 rifles were widely exported and are consistent with military equipment that could have been encountered among Iraqi forces, making the characteristics and processing history of this rifle compatible with a possible Gulf War recovery history.

Following its British military processing, the rifle subsequently formed part of the armoury collection. The rifle was subsequently transferred to a serving officer in 2015 following its deactivation and the execution of a formal letter of transfer. It has remained continuously within the same private collection since that transfer.

The rifle was deactivated in 2015 and issued deactivation certificate DA 54690. Following subsequent changes to the applicable deactivation requirements, the rifle was submitted for further examination in 2026 and issued certificate no. 13705.

Provenance documentation includes:

• Copy of British Army letter confirming transfer of ownership to the private collection.

• Copy of MOD 7677 Issue and Receipt Voucher document recording transfer to a serving officer.

• Copy of British military armoury ledger/record identifying the rifle, subject to availability.

• Copy of 2015 deactivation certificate DA 54690.

• Original 2026 deactivation certificate no. 13705.

Provenance: Chinese State Factory 386 manufacture → British military custody and EOD processing, 1991 → British Army armoury/collection → transfer to serving officer, 2015 → continuously retained in the same private collection.

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