This Kbk wz. 88 Tantal is a Polish-manufactured select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced in 1990 at the Łucznik Arms Factory (Factory 11) in Radom, Poland. Serial number CS7993. Fitted with a right-folding wire stock and equipped with two independent fire selectors. Presented with its Certificate of Ownership.
This rifle is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
The Kbk wz. 88 Tantal is the last Cold War-era assault rifle developed in Poland. Designed from 1981 at the Łucznik Arms Factory in Radom, the project was delayed by the political turmoil of the Solidarity movement and only resumed in 1985. Created to replace the 7.62x39mm AKM, it chambers the Soviet 5.45x39mm cartridge in accordance with Warsaw Pact standardization. Officially adopted in 1989, it stands apart from the AK-74 with a unique three-position fire selector on the left side of the receiver (semi-automatic, three-round burst, and full automatic) and a wire folding stock that folds to the right. Its service life was remarkably short: Poland's transition toward NATO membership rendered the 5.45mm calibre strategically obsolete. Production ceased in 1994, and the Tantal was officially withdrawn from frontline service in 2005, replaced by the 5.56mm NATO Beryl. This limited production window makes surviving military-issue examples particularly collectible.
Technical Specifications
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Manufacturer: Zakłady Metalowe Łucznik (Factory Code ⑪), Radom, Poland
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Model: Kbk wz. 88 Tantal
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Year of Manufacture: 1990
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Serial Number: CS7993
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Caliber: 5.45x39mm
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Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt, select-fire (semi-auto / 3-round burst / full-auto)
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Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds (detachable box magazine)
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Barrel Length: 432 mm (17")
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Overall Length: 943 mm (37.1") stock extended / 748 mm (29.4") stock folded
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Weight: 3.69 kg (8.1 lbs) empty
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Rate of Fire: approx. 600–700 rounds/min
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Muzzle Velocity: 880 m/s (2,887 ft/s)
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Effective Range: 500 m
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Barrel: Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined bore, 4 grooves RH, 1:200mm twist
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Stock: Right-folding wire stock with shoulder pad
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Furniture: Bakelite handguard and pistol grip (marbled brown)
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Muzzle Device: Multi-functional muzzle brake/compensator (rifle grenade capable)
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Sights: Adjustable tangent rear sight (100–1000 m), hooded front post
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Fire Selectors: Two independent — (1) right-side AK-pattern safety lever, (2) left-side rotary selector with positions for semi-auto (P), burst, and full-auto (C)
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Receiver (left side): "⑪ 1990 CS7993" (Factory 11 / Radom, year of manufacture, serial number) in stamped cartouche
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Barrel (ahead of front sight): "993" (last 3 digits of serial)
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Receiver top cover (rear): "7993" (last 4 digits of serial)
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Right-side selector: "C" (ciągły — continuous/full-auto) and "P" (pojedynczy — single/semi-auto)
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Left-side safety lever: Standard AK-pattern markings
Condition
Very good overall condition. Parkerized/matte black finish on the receiver and barrel shows excellent coverage with minimal wear. Bakelite furniture (handguard, upper handguard, and pistol grip) in very good condition with characteristic marbled brown/orange pattern and sharp checkering on the pistol grip. Wire folding stock intact and functional. Muzzle brake in good condition. Tangent rear sight clearly marked and operational. Chrome-lined bore not inspected. Magazine present and in good condition. Bolt carrier noted as workshop replacement part.
What's Included
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1x Kbk wz. 88 Tantal assault rifle (S/N CS7993)
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1x 30-round polymer/steel magazine (5.45x39)
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Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
