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French Berthier M16 Rifle - 8mm Lebel
Guns International #: 103181187 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Military Rifles - Non-US - Military Arms
Seller's Information
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Seller: Big Ir0n
Company: Michael Merker Riflemakers
Member Since: 2/26/07
First Name: Michael
Last Name: Merker
State: North Carolina
Country: United States
Phone: (828) 698-8804
Platinum Seller
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: Personal Check, Money Order
Description:
French Berthier M16 Rifle - 8mm Lebel,
Price: $899
Historical Significance
Own a piece of military history with this authentic French Berthier M16 rifle, chambered in the iconic 8mm Lebel (8x50mmR). Designed by Émile Berthier in the late 19th century, the Berthier series was a cornerstone of French military small arms, serving from the First World War through World War II and into the 1960s with French law enforcement. The M16 variant, introduced in 1916, was a critical upgrade to earlier models, featuring a 5-round en-bloc clip to enhance capacity and reliability in the brutal conditions of trench warfare. This rifle likely saw action with French cavalry, artillery, or colonial troops, bearing the scars of its storied past.
Description
- Serial Number: B78184, with matching numbers on receiver, barrel, bolt, trigger guard, and stock, ensuring original configuration and high collectible value.
- Condition: Good mechanical working order, with smooth bolt action and reliable trigger function. Shows signs of age, wear, and tear, including worn bluing, minor surface pitting, and stock dings, consistent with its century-long service life. The bore retains visible rifling, ideal for collectors or occasional shooters.
- Caliber: 8mm Lebel, the first smokeless powder cartridge adopted by a major military. Note: Check for “N” markings on receiver and barrel to confirm compatibility with modern Balle N ammunition; gunsmith inspection recommended before firing.
- Configuration: Likely a Mousqueton Mle 1892/M16 carbine (~37 inches overall, ~17-inch barrel) or Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16 rifle (~51 inches overall, ~30-inch barrel). Buyer may confirm exact model via barrel length and markings.
- Markings: Expected to bear arsenal stamps (e.g., MAC or MAS) and possibly a barrel date, reflecting its manufacture or M16 conversion during/after World War I (1916–1920s).
This Berthier M16 combines historical authenticity with functional reliability. Its matching numbers make it a rare find, as many Berthiers were rebuilt with mismatched parts post-war. The rifle’s wear tells the story of its service, from the muddy trenches of Verdun to colonial campaigns, making it a prized addition for collectors of World War-era firearms or French military history enthusiasts. Priced at $899, this rifle offers exceptional value for its condition, rarity, and provenance
Price: $899.00
Rifle Caliber: 8mm Lebel