Berthier Model 1907/15 French Infantry Rifle….(F 771) SOLD

French WWI Berthier Infantry Rifle

The faithful main-stay of the French Army during World War One. Three-shot magazine rifle in 8 x 50mmR. Measuring just short 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 strong rifling and no pitting or misting. The barrel has lugs on the underside, near the muzzle, to help locate the bayonet. The Pull on the rifle is 13.1/4″ to center of the steel butt-plate.

Mixed numbers make up many of the parts but, the rifle is fully functional and just re-proofed, as it is. The receiver outer wall is marked; “Delaunay Belleville  MLE 1907_15″ Adjacent, is a number (later applied) meaning unknown “1^73” Adjacent to the same, on the barrel, is the serial number; “B 54709” beneath a single letter; “G.” At the TDC of the barrel and receiver is a registration mark and the letter “N” on each component. On the obverse of the receiver are more markings; “EDB 1917”. The bolt itself has matching numbers, the bolt stub marked with a circled “L” over “58559” with a serif marking right beside it and on the front section of the bolt, “59”.

A single piece of French walnut makes up the stock with three individual but excellently executed, armoury repairs along its length. 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 short straight 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.

The external magazine plate has another number on it “F 5432″ 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 24”. 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 “74931” parallel with the butt-plate. Altogether a solid very usable example of the famous French Berthier 1907/15 Infantry Rifle. Fresh British proofs applied.

Stock No F 771
£ 525. (SOLD)

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