French BERTHIER 1907/15 Rifle………….. (F 1103) SOLD

Good Example of the Standard French WW1 Berthier Infantry Rifle

Built by the French State owned arsenals, this example was produced by St Etienne.  Turn bolt single shot rifle in 8mm Lebel.  An elegant looking rifle designed by a Privateer named Adolphe Berthier with a slim straight wrist in French walnut.  Originally designed to feed from a three round clip which drops out when empty and as a replacement for the Lebel which was a tube feeder.  Berthier was trying to give the French Army something that was less of a liability  as the various incarnations of it predecessor all suffered from the same rather self defeating and dangerous problem – detonation of cartridges in the tube !  However, the French military were slow to pick up on it and it took a while to gain a foothold.

The rifle we have before us appears to be the standard three shot derivative CIP proofed as 8 x 50R.  Overall length is 51″.  The round barrel is a nominal 31.1/4″ long and the trigger Pull is 13″ to centre.  Finger grooved fore-end with enclosed magazine and two cross-bolts.  The bolt is finished in the white, the balance was blued but now is extensively worn and faded.  Bent down bolt handle – as designed with flat to stock. The stock has the matching serial number on the butt which all points to originality.

The rifles serial number is F 65047.  This appears on the barrel shank, the bolt handle block, the underside of the trigger guard.  The last two digits appear on the bolt head.  This appears to be a fully original matching example as none of the numbers are bodged or fudged in any manner.  The outer wall of the action is marked as follows; “St Etienne  MLE 1907.15″  There are multiple inspection stampings and acceptance marks on the barrel shank including a register mark on barrel and action with a “N” nearby by both to signify alteration to the later ammunition.  On the RHS of the barrel shank is; “MA S 1915”.

Sliding ladder rear sight with graduation on the LHS of 4 to 8, when the ladder is flipped up it reads from 9 to 24 with an open “U” aim point. Simple foresight on a block.  Ring on mid band acts as front sling mount, standard to the rear.  Steel shaped butt-plate.  Short stacking rod and attachment points for bayonet to muzzle and fore-end cap.  The stock shows less than average military life signs and is in good condition.  Action mechanically fine.  Bore very good for one of these.  Obviously used a couple of times trying to repel some rowdy neighbours but good depth, no pitting grey in the grooves.  Should be a shooter.  A rare rifle to find these days in unmolested form and a rifle that deserves a place in any military rifle collection.

FAC required; Stock No F 1103

£ 1675.  SOLD

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