China, People’s Republic. A Type 56 Assault Rifle Ammunition Chest Pouch, C. 1975

An extremely well-preserved Chinese Type 56 assault rifle ammunition chest pouch. Constructed of olive-drab canvas, it consists of three large central cells, each closing with a loop and wooden knob, accommodating a full ammunition clip. The cells are flanked on each side by two smaller cells, each closing with an identical knob. The reverse features crossing canvas straps for frontal shoulder suspension. A black ink mark on the reverse indicates that the pouch carries 7.62 mm ammunition for the Type 56 assault rifle, and was manufactured in 1975. The pouch measures 650 mm (w) x 230 mm (h). It is in an overall extremely fine condition.