Antique French bolt action rifle

[Cheech]

This rifle belongs to a friend.

On the action it has "ET ts Continsouza M le - M-16"

On the left side of the barrel(chamber area) is "S-T", "V"(in circle) and "K"(in a circle) and a number "72795" below them.

On the right side of the barrel(chamber area) is "MA C 1925"

On the top of the forward part of the action just aft of the joint is a "0" and a "N". There are also what apears to be factory allignment marks on the barrel and action.

On the firing pin assembly of the bolt is a "K" in a circle.

On the left side of the buttstock is what looks like "A B" or "A S" in script and the same "72795" that is on the barrel.

It has a flip-up rear sight that works in it's down position as well.

He asked me if I could find out anything about it for him and I was wondering if anyone here knew. I'm cleaning it up for him. I googled it and seems they were produced in the late 19th/early 20th century. The caliber could be 8mm?? The bolt face is larger than my .300 wtby mag. Couldn't find anything specific.

It seems to be in original condition with a couple of "old" patches done to the stock.

Any help with info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[prom93]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

Geoogle French rifle berthier...good luck...

 

[MAGUA]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

Yeah that's a French Berthier carbine,8mm Lebel.

I would make a lamp out of it

 

[Zanshin]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

Looks like it was never fired, and only dropped once!

I am so sorry, I could not help myself. Something that old I would be wary of firing it without having a competent gunsmith check it out first... assuming you can even get brass for whatever caliber it is chambered for.

 

[GunKnowledge]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cheech</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It seems to be in original condition with a couple of "old" patches done to the stock.

</div></div>


WOW, really?

That's about as original as a POS Honda, originally blue, missing the hood, with a white left door, primered right door, spray painted red flames on the front left quarter panel, 4 different wheels (1 is an emergency donut), and a section of corrugated tin bolted to the decklid.

 

[Cheech]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

Well I said "seems" because there are no obvious signs of change to ME because I Don't know anything about THEM, I'm not into old french firearms ....that's why I asked here. Best place I know for firearms information...Guess I was wrong to ask and expect a real answer.

Well, guess I'm battin' 500, Two real replys out of four. Thanks guys.

for the other two...thanks for the replies and the words of incouragement... Didn't your mommies ever tell you "..if you don't have anything good to say, keep your mouth shut."? Guess not...oh well, I tried.....

.....bag of assholes.

 

[meestermurphy]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

Yeah it looks like the stock has been chopped on the front of it as a bubba sportserized job. Not much value to it. Not many widely available parts for it either.

 

[Cheech]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

Come to find out from another collector forum the rifle is for the most part as it was assembled in 1925(date barrel installed to action), from previously manufactured parts, with the exception of the stock. From what I was just told this was common practice from @40's to @ 60's with these and many other old military weapons. And stock parts are scarce to nill. The 8x50Rmm "lebel" ammo is still produced. If nothing else it's a neat research project.

Cheers

 

[mcgill]

Re: Antique French bolt action rifle

your rifle is a Berthier but seems to had been modified ( stock is normally longer )
you can have more informations below ( sorry it's in French )


mcgill
http://armesfrancaises.free.fr/mousq%20Mle%201892M16.html