Click here to print this page.

1892 Vintage Chatellerault Berthier Model 1890 Gendarmerie Carbine w/ Inter-war Modifications ** ALL-MATCHING & Original! ** Guns International #: 101825322 Seller's Inventory #: BP21-200 Category: Military Rifles - Non-US - Military Rifles - Antique Seller's Information When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc. Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc. Member Since: 4/27/15 State: Kentucky Zip: 40503 Country: United States Phone: (859) 276-1419 Fax: (859) 278-0838 Platinum Seller Number of Active Listings: 184 Total Number of Listings: 14865 Seller: FFL Dealer Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns. Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check Description: This is a very nice all-original and all-matching 1892-vintage Chatellerault Arsenal Berthier Model 1890 Gendarmerie Carbine in 8mm Lebel, complete with the original leather sling and French Arsenal inter-war modifications.  This French Berthier carbine is a veteran bring-back from WW2 and is NOT import-marked or post-WW2 modified in any way, it remains in the exact configuration in which it was captured.  It is a real battle-used carbine that saw service with the Gendarmerie from 1892 thru BOTH WW1 and WW2.  The fact that it is all still together with all of serial-numbered parts matching is remarkable.  After undergoing testing in 1891, the "Modele 1890 carabine de Gendarmerie" or Model 1890 Gendarmerie Carbine was formally adopted in January of 1892.  This bolt-action repeating carbine was nearly identical to the Model 1890 Cavalry Carbine except for the muzzle-end of the stock, which was several inches shorter and fitted with a bayonet lug.  This was because the Gendarmerie had both foot and mounted troops, requiring a compact weapon with the ability to take a bayonet.  The fixed magazine held 3 rounds and was loaded with 3-round en-bloc clips, and the barrel was 17.8" inches long.  The whole carbine was 37.5" inches long and weighed-in at 6.6 pounds unloaded.  Both the Chatellerault and St. Etienne Arsenals manufactured the Gendarmerie Carbine with total production reaching 36,640 and 44,000 carbines respectively.  This particular example is serial number "A  31787" with an 1891 barrel date and an 1892 dated stock cartouche.  It started life as a standard Gendarmerie Carbine, but as new models were developed during WW1 and design improvements implemented in the 1920's and early 1930's it was modified to remain viable.  These improvement and changes consisted of adding a magazine extension from the Model 1916 to increase the capacity to 5-round, adding a new sling-bar Model 1916 style stock and wooden handguard, the 1920"A" modification of replacing the front sight with a taller one of the same design and replacing the rear leaf with a taller version to better clear the M16 wooden handguard (both parts stamped with an "A" to show modification done), the 1927 modification of removing the cleaning rod and plugging the recess in the forend with wood as well as adding a stacking rod to the nosecap, and the 1932 modification for the new variation of the 8mm Lebel service cartridge which had a higher pressure and required the chamber to be reamed out slightly at the neck.  Once the 1932 modification was completed the barrel and the front of the receiver was stamped with an "N".  The condition of this Berthier carbine is very good overall, with the original finishes still in place and excellent mechanics.  The factory blue finish on this carbine is still handsome and bright in places while showing varying degrees of finish wear and handling marks you would expect to see on an Gendarmerie-issued and used weapon that is almost 130 years old.  All of the factory markings are still intact and legible and all of the serial numbered parts are factory stamped and matching.  The bolt which was polished in-the-white from the factory is in good overall condition as well, free from any major stains or pitting.  The bore in this carbine is suprisingly great with very strong and sharp lands and bright shiny grooves throughout the barrel.  The Model 1916 type stock on the Model 1890 is also in very good condition, free from any cracks, major damage, or eyesores.  The wood shows lots of little minor handling marks and dings/dents/scratches but is still handsome overall.  There are some period arsenal repairs on the forend as well as the filled cleaning rod channel.  All of the original stock hardware is intact and in solid condition, and the original factory inspection cartouche is still visible on the right side of the buttstock, although faint.  There are also some other small inspectors stamps on the right side of the buttstock consisting of a "K" and a "B" between the buttplate and the circular cartouche.  The left side of the buttstock is stamped with the serial number of the carbine in the proper font and size, "A 31787".  The original leather sling is still intact on this Berthier carbine and in pretty good shape overall.  The action on this Model 1890 Gendarmerie Carbine is slick and smooth, and the bolt turns into battery nicely with no grit or slop.  All of the controls are still in perfect working order, including the adjustable rear sight, clip release, and spring-loaded magazine housing door.  There is no doubt that this little 8mm Lebel carbine would still function just as well today as the day it left Chatellerault Arsenal.  If you have been looking for a real investment-grade French Berthier Carbine variation for your collection with a lot of history, this 1892-production Model 1890 Gendarmerie Carbine would be a superb choice.  As an antique, this little carbine can be shipped directly to the buyer's home with no FFL or C&R needed!          SOLD Antique: Yes Rifle Caliber: 8mm Lebel Manufacturer: Chatellerault Arsenal Model: Berthier Model 1890 Gendarmerie Carbine (w/ Inter-war Modifications) Serial Number: A31787 Condition: Very Good Metal Condition: Very Good Wood Condition: Good Bore Condition: Good Action: Bolt Action Repeater Finish: Blued Sights: Adjustable Iron Combat Sights Manufacture Date: 1892 Extras: w/ Original Leather Sling