RED CHINESE TYPE 63 or 56 (SKS) STRIPPER CLIP CHEST POUCH, CANVAS & LEATHER, NOS

Description

This auction is for a RED CHINESE VINTAGE TYPE 63 or Type 56 (SKS) CHEST POUCH, CANVAS & LEATHER, NOS, c1960's. Information on these pouches is rather hard to come by, as there is so little on them out there. The consensus is they they WERE made in the People's Republic of China, and most agree that they are intended to hold two 10rd SKS stripper clips in each pocket, with eight pockets in all (that's 20rds per pocket X 8 pockets= 160rd for the whole rig). I have checked, and though two stripper clips of ammo fit just fine, there is about and inch or two of spare empty room in the pocket, for whatever reason. I suspect one might fit another 5-10 rds of loose, or paper-packed, ammo in the bottom of each pocket to fill up the space, though I haven't tried that, or one could carry other loose items there. If I were going to use one of these rigs, I'd definitely slip each pair of clips into each pocket with some sort of cloth strip under to pull them out of the pocket more easily. I CANNOT think what other weapon they might've been used for that might've been available to the reds at that time. At any rate, a cool design made to higher standards. Rather handsome rig, actually.
This rig can handle a wide range of body and waist sizes. I am a large man, 6'00"/ 210 lbs, and it fits me comfortably, though it can be tightened and adjusted downward for lighter and shorter individuals, as well. Though this item is obviously NOS (new old stock), the leather is still pliable and strong, as new condition, unstained and undamaged, as is the canvas. The front, interlocking, star buckle has started to flake off it's nickel-plated outer surface, but that is a minor detraction. As stated already, this is in virtually NEW, UNUSED condition, showing only some age and shelf wear, and would make a GREAT companion to any ChiCom Type 56 (SKS) carbine. There is only a number stamp on the back or the pouch that I can find, and several more on the front of the pockets, near the lower leather portion, with no indication of the pouch's age or origin. The ONLY other markings are a star emblem on each pouch flap button, as can be found on some other ChiCom equipment..
I have indicated USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box (.50) for shipping, anywhere in the USA.