Guns International #: 101984369
Seller's Inventory #: BP22-104
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Guns International #: 101984369
Category - Military Rifles - Antique
- Military Rifles - Non-US
Seller's Information
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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
Active Listings: 190
Total Listings: 14934
Seller Type:FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
1892 Vintage French Military Berthier Model 1890/16 Cavalry Carbine in 8mm Lebel w/ Original M1892 Bayonet
** Handsome WW1 French Carbine **
Description: This is a very handsome and original French Military Berthier Model 1890 Cavalry Carbine that went thru the 1916 updates for service in WW1 and is complete with an original Model 1892 Mannlicher Berthier Bayonet. Built in 1892, this particular MAS Berthier was in service with the French Military for 24 years before being retrofitted with the M1916 improvements. The Berthier Model 1890 Cavalry Carbine was designed as an improved and shortened version of the Model 1886 rifle. It was officially adopted in March of 1890 and quickly issued to all French cavalry, artillery, and gendarmerie troops in the 1890's. This bolt-action repeater featured a 3-round internal magazine fed with a 3-shot en-bloc clip, a mannlicher style action with 90 degree turned-down bolt handle, an 18" inch barrel, no manual safety, iron combat sights with a ladder style rear, a integral bayonet lug, stacking rod, and cleaning rod recess on the nosecap, one barrel band, and a European Walnut stock set with an upper handguard. The overall length was 37.25" Inches. During the 1890's and the early 1900's the Model 1890 Cavalry carbine would serve the French Armed forces well along with the French Colonial troops that are also carried the weapon. With the outbreak of WW1 and France joining the fight in 1914, the Model 1890 Cavalry Carbines were used by front line cavalry and artillery troops alike. Despite it being a reliable and well-made weapon, in 1916 France decided to modernize the weapon to a degree, make it easier and cheaper to manufacture, as well as increase it's magazine capacity. The resulting model was named the Model 1916 Calvary Carbine. While the Model 1916 would go into production that year, all of the Model 1890 Cavalry Carbines were subsequently turned in to the French Military for modification to the Model 1916 standard. These changes included removing the stack rod on the nosecap, removing the cleaning rod and filling in the recess on the stock, the chamber was slightly reamed out for the hotter 8mm Lebel machine gun cartridge and stamped with an "N" on both the receiver and barrel, and a magazine extension was fitted to the bottom of the rifle increasing the capacity to 5 rounds. This newly converted carbine could be loaded with either the 3 or 5 round enbloc clips. These converted Model 1890 Cavalry Carbines were then renamed Berthier Model 1890/16's. They would go on to serve admirably in WW1 and beyond, with some still in service when the Germans invaded France during WW2 in 1940. This particular carbine is serial number "F95107" and is all-matching except for the bolt, which is the proper type and all-matching to itself but serial numbered "F16447". The barrel, stock, and triggerguard are all numbered "F95107". The receivers were not serial numbered. It is NOT IMPORT MARKED and was likely brought back as a war trophy by an American GI after WW1 or maybe even WW2. As you can see from the pictures, it is a very handsome little carbine with a nice uniform appearance. All of the parts appear to have been together since it was captured, whenever that happened likely between 1917 and 1945. All of the original arsenal/factory blue finish is mostly intact, showing only light wear and superficial handling marks. Most of the finish wear is on the high-edges and on the underside of the barrel. The factory polished bolt and buttplate are in good shape as well, showing only minor stains and light wear marks with no major damage. All of the factory markings are still fully legible and intact, as well as the various small proofs. The original stock is in good shape overall but has been sanded at some point. When it was sanded the factory-applied serial number on the left side of the buttstock became very faint but is still legible when closely examined. The stock set is free from any cracks, chips, major damage, or repairs outside of the filled-in cleaning rod recess which was part of the 1916 upgrades. All of the original stock hardware is still intact and in good condition including the original buttplate, lower sling bar, reinforcing lugs thru the receiver area of the stock, the lower barrel band and sling mount, the upper nosecap with bayonet lug, and both of the bandsprings that retain the barrel band and nosecap. The action on this Berthier Cavalry Carbine is smooth and locks up tight into battery. All of the controls on this carbine are in perfect working order, including the spring-loaded door on the bottom of the magazine extension to eject a spent or loaded en-bloc clip and the rear sight adjustment on the sight ladder. The original trigger is a two-stage unit that breaks crisply once the slack is taken up. The bore in the 18" inch barrel is in good condition overall as well. The rifling is still strong throughout the barrel with nicely defined lands and grooves. The only negative is there is some light pitting scattered throughout the bore, however it is shallow and light and should not have any appreciable effect on the carbine's accuracy. This little French Berthier could be shot by the new owner if he or she wants, no problem. As mentioned before, this Model 1890/16 Cavalry Carbine comes with an original Model 1892 blade bayonet. It does not have a scabbard but is in good condition overall. It is a tight fit on this carbine but does lock onto it. You may have to tap it on the last 1/8th of an inch with a rubber mallet to seat it 100%, as well as tap it with the lug-release button depressed to get it off. We would imagine after doing this several times it should come on and off without the need for any mallet or excessive force. If you have been looking for a non-import marked original WW1 MAS Berthier Model 1890/16 for your collection here is your chance to get a great looking original example at a good price. We also have several original French Military en-bloc clips available for an additional cost, 2 of the 3-round versions and 1 of the 5-round versions. As this carbine was originally built in 1892 (Build-date on barrel pictured in picture #22, normally under the handguard) it is an antique and can be shipped directly to your door, no FFL needed!! SOLD Antique: Yes Rifle Caliber: 8mm Lebel Manufacturer: Manufacture d/armes de Saint-Etienne (MAS) Model: Berthier 1890/16 Cavalry Carbine Serial Number: F95107 Barrel Length: 18" Inches Condition: Very Good Metal Condition: Very Good Wood Condition: Very Good Bore Condition: Good Action: Bolt Action Repeater Finish: Factory/Arsenal Military Blue Finish Sights: Iron COmbat Sights with Ladder-style Rear Graduated from 200 to 2000 Meters Manufacture Date: 1892 Extras: w/ Modele 1892 Mannlicher Berthier Bayonet (2nd Pattern & WW1 Modified) |
Guns International #: 101984369
Seller's Inventory #: BP22-104
Guns International #: 101984369
Seller's Inventory #: BP22-104