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Winning Bid US $861 First bid $350 Quantity 1 # of bids 10 Time left Auction has ended   Started 2025-02-11 00:00:00 Ended 2025-02-28 22:59:51

Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault, Model: MLE. 1892 Berthier, Cal: 8 x 50mmR Lebel, MFG: March 1917, S/N: D33303, Bolt action rifle, 17 1/2'' barrel.

History: The Berthier was designed as a replacement for the aging single shot black powder Gras rifle that was being used by Mounted security forces, cavalry units, and artillery units in colonial services Mounted security forces, cavalry units, and artillery units in colonial service. The French had the Lebel in the new smokeless 8mm round, but it had a tube magazine that ran the length of the barrel, therefore cutting them down created a problem with capacity. The new rifle was designed by Andre Virgile Paul Marie Berthier, a French civilian engineer in the Algerian railways. It used a three shot Mannlicher en-bloc clip, greatly increasing reload speed, particular convenience for cavalry and other mounted troops. The Lebel had to be single loaded instead of loading all at once, giving the Berthier a faster fire rate over a whole engagement, even though the Lebel held eight Rds, while the Berthier held three. The smaller capacity was chosen over the typical five rounds after field testing, where the cavalry expressed a preference for a non-protruding magazine that did not interfere with the balance or handling of the rifle. It was adopted on March 12, 1890 & designated the MLE 1890. The cavalry loved the carbine, & another version would be made specially for the Artillery troops which added a bayonet lug & changed the forend of the stock, this would be the MLE 1892. The MLE 1892 would be made clear to 1917, until production of its upgrade the MLE 1916 could start in May of 1917. This rifle is marked as accepted in March of 1917, making it in the last two months of production. The MLE 1916 added a five shot magazine & added a handguard, from the many complaints from front line troops. During WW1 the MLE 1892 saw use with more than just artillery troops & saw wide use on the front lines. This rifle is still in all original configuration as it left the factory in 1917. It escaped all of the updates done to the rifles after WW1 & into the 1920s. it is possible this was a vet bring back with s US service member or escaped some other way. It is really rare to find a Berthier in this condition as most were modified/updated at some point.

CONDITION: the straight wrist wood stock is very good with small nicks, dings, & scratches from use/wear. 1'' x 1 1/2'' inlaid wood stock repair on left side of forend,. The S/N is stamped into the left cheek of the stock. The right cheek is marked with the acceptance roundel that reads ''MARCH'', ''1917'', ''J.C.'', ''MA''. The blued metal finish rates 75% overall with areas of thinning/wear & spots of brown patina. The left side of the receiver is marked ''CHATELLERAUT'', ''MLE 1892'', ''MD''. The left side of the barrel is marked ''AB'', ''J'' in circle, ''C'' in circle, & the S/N. the rear extension of the trigger guard is marked ''CW'' in a circle. The right side of the barrel is marked ''MA C 1917''. S/N matching bolt & magazine. The bore is good. Its bright but has beginnings of pitting & consistent roughness throughout. The barrel holds blade front sight with a stepped base/ladder U-notch rear sight. Base is marked 2 to 10, ladder is marked 12 to 20. The stock carries a steel buttplate, worn gray with speckled patina. Rifle has rear sling loop with forward ring. Rifle has a wartime production steel clearing rod. rifle comes with period correct black leather sling, & correct MLE 1892 Bayonet. FFL or C&R Req - Value: 700 to 1400

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Price

Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault, Model: MLE. 1892 Berthier... Item # 4399 This auction is over. No new bids can be placed. Price: US $861

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