French Berthier Model 1907/15 Rifle (Fusil) …… (F 772) SOLD
Created on February 28th 2019
French WWI Berthier Model 1907/15 Rifle
The main-stay of the French Army during World War One. Three-shot magazine rifle in 8 x 50mmR. Measuring just shy of 51.1/2″ in overall length. The barrel is 31.3/8″ long with a 4 groove left-hand twist bore in very good condition with no pitting or misting and strong rifling. The barrel incorporates lugs on the underside, near the muzzle, to help locate the bayonet into position. The Pull on the rifle is 13.1/4″ to center of the steel butt-plate.
A single piece of French walnut makes up the stock. Twin cross stock-bolts. There is a faint roundel-type cartouche on the RHS of the butt-stock. The action and barrel were finished in the blue but, have now turned to a dark brown/plum hue. The bolt is finished in the white with a turned down bolt handle. The bolt cocks on opening and has a cross-hatched thumb indent on the cocking piece. The mid-band also incorporates a forward sling ring. The for-end cap has a stacking hook and a circular indent for the base of the bayonet handle.
Mixed numbers make up many of the parts but, the rifle is fully functional and just re-proofed, as is. The receiver outer wall is marked; ” “St’ Etienne MLE 1907_15″ Adjacent is a number (later applied) meaning unknown “21100” Adjacent to that, on the barrel is the serial number; “86729” above which are more markings; “C.C.” and then within circles, “A” and “M” respectively. On the obverse of the receiver are more markings; “MA” “S” “1916”. The bolt carries two different numbers, the first on the bolt stub is “L / 290” with a serif marking right beside it and another number on the front section of the bolt, “67”.
The rear sight is marked on the LHS of the ramp with steps from 4 to 8. The ladder, when in the upright position is graduated from “9 to 21”. This is all coupled with a simple blade in a block front sight. The magazine operates on the Mannlicher-type system with a three-shot clip which is dropped out when empty.
Shallow finger grooves in the fore-end. The stock shows all the signs of an active military life but is not split or seriously damaged. There is a rack number on the base of the stock, parallel with the butt-plate. Altogether a solid very usable example of the famous French Berthier 1907/15 Infantry Rifle. Fresh British proof applied.
Stock No F 772
£ 525. (SOLD)
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