Gildwiller1918 Posted December 23, 2024 Posted December 23, 2024 Here is a WW1 Era French Berthier Model 07/15. or Fusil Mle. 1907/15. This rifle is chambered in the standard Lebel 8x50R cartridge which was used on both the Lebel and Berthier rifles, in fact both rifles used the same barrel, which was a plus for logistics. The Berthier rifle was made to be a partial replacement for the Lebel, and was quite popular in colonial use, and in 1907 was updated with minor changes. In 1914, the French seeing that this rifle was cheaper and faster to produce than the Lebel and since no more Lebel's were being made, they updated the Berthier again to the 07/15 model in early 1915 and by the summer it was reaching the troops. This rifle utilizes a Mannlicher-type en bloc magazine which held three rounds (which was increased to 5 on the 1916 model). The magazine clip would feed through the top and empty out the bottom of the well once empty, this was one area of weakness as the bottom of the magazine well was open to debris. The barrel is dated 1916 for St. Etienne and the receiver is also St. Etienne, however, the barrel I believe is a replacement as the finish/wear does not match up. It is my belief is that this rifle has been re-worked. The 1916 upgrade did not get up and running till early to mid 1917, so using 1916 dated replacement parts to fix or repair the rifle makes sense. It has the early blade type front sight, not the blocky 1916 upgrade sight. Overall, it is a good example of a WW1 rifle, that shows a good system for reclamation and reuse of what they had to minimize waste, something that all belligerents had to do during WW1. The stock on this rifle has been duffel cut under the rear band, meaning it is concealed once put back together, most likely a bring back. The stock itself does not match the serial number on the receiver, further leading me to believe this is a re-work. The roundel is slightly visible, and I can make out Novembre, MA and 1916, can't see anything else, but that is common for these, as the stamp was usually light and wore down quickly. 5 Quote
Fritz Posted December 24, 2024 Posted December 24, 2024 I had one many years ago, and also the Lebel 1886/93 4 Quote
72 usmc Posted December 24, 2024 Posted December 24, 2024 A beauty. The duffle cut, a nice piece of history to be maintained intact. Not repaired. For the boots, https://www.forgottenweapons.com/what-is-a-duffel-cut/ Sort of an indirect link to You Tube since they black some links out. The QUOTE from Ian: Quote American service members in World War One and World War Two brought a tremendous number of firearms back to the US as trophies and souvenirs. While some mailed guns home, most brought them back in person by way of naval transport back from Europe or the Pacific. Most captured rifles were too long to fit in a service duffel bag intact, but if the action was removed form the stock and the stock cut in two pieces, they could fit. The cut was typically made under the barrel band, so the rifle could be reassembled at home and not look damaged. This is distinct form sporterizing, as duffel cut rifles were generally kept otherwise fully intact. Today, a duffel cut can be an important piece of evidence showing the history of a particular rifle, especially for World War One vintage rifles, as there was no paperwork for trophy weapons at that time. Bring-back papers were issued in World War Two, but not strictly enforced, and many guns came home without them. Note that lots of guns did come home to the US without being cut as well, so the lack of a duffel cut does not necessarily signify anything. And, of course, cuts are much more common on longer rifle than on carbines. 4 Quote
72 usmc Posted December 24, 2024 Posted December 24, 2024 The French Berthier three shot enblock clip. 5 Quote
Gildwiller1918 Posted December 25, 2024 Author Posted December 25, 2024 Thanks all, this is my first 07/15. The 1916 models are much more common as well as the Remington made versions. 4 Quote
72 usmc Posted December 25, 2024 Posted December 25, 2024 I love that rifle and you may want Ian's book, (CHASSEPOT TO FAMAS: French Military Rifles, 1866 – 2016 by Ian McCollum) one of the few in English on French firearms. Berthiers are a hoot to shoot with Prvi ammunition. That jewel deserves an original black French sling. Since it came home most likely in WW I, I assume the rifle escaped the N conversion or is the receiver N stamped? The Mle 1932 cartridge was adopted in the mid 1930s. Also an informative Forgotten weapons review: ( The Berthier After World War One) 5 Quote
Gildwiller1918 Posted December 29, 2024 Author Posted December 29, 2024 No N stamp visible. I do plan on picking up the book as well. 5 Quote
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