Russiaicon sold the SKS production machinery to China in the mid 50s. The first Chinese SKSs were made from a mixture of Russian and Chinese parts. I have a 1951 Russian SKS marked as per post #4. Are you able to tell us what type of bayonet is fitted? Russian is SVT38 style with Mosin Nagant Carbine Style hinge. The Chinese versions I have seen have spike bayonets.

I paid £125 for my unused deactivated 1951 SKS together with a sling. $300/£200 for a live one with ammo was a good deal. I think you can do a similar deal for a Tokerev SVT 40.
People tend to forget about the SVT40 and SKS because they have been over shadowed by the AK47. The SKS is still in wide spread use for cerimonial duties becuase it is longer than an AK47.
Kind regards, Lester