GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
VERY RARE FRENCH MODEL 1886/M93 WWI SNIPER RIFLE WITH SCOPE.FRENCHLEBEL SNIPER153098 MM LEBELW/SCOPECal. .8mm Lebel. Bbl 31 1/2". Exceedingly rare WWI-era French sniper rifle with orig detachable scope, leather sling, and an interesting orig Jan., 1919 dated Stars and Stripes newspaper, which was used to wrap the scope during its return from France. Pretty neat! Visible SNs match between bbl,scope mount block, receiver and wood. Marked on right side of bbl "MA S 1890" w/ St. Etienne maker's and model markings on left side of receiver. This fine specimen's scope is marked "A.PX.1916" w/ telescope number which matches the telescope mounting stud, which a simple spring latch is screwed onto. The scope is attached to the rifle by rotating it onto a round socket at the rear sight base 90 degrees downward, so that the spring latch snaps into place. The socket has its own coil spring. so that tension is maintained and it does not rattle. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish very fine with a mixture of refinished and orig finished parts. Receiver block and rear sight block have been refinished, although barely perceptible. Trigger guard and bolt in the white. Butt plate has some high edge wear to a gray patina. Interior of action in the white, as is appropriate, with some brown patina from old grease. Mechanics are crisp. Bore is very fine, shiny and bright, as is bolt face. Optics just starting to cloud, with clear cross hairs, and still serviceable. Wood has some dings, bruises and handling marks but still very attractive. Sling strong and supple. Over 99-year-old newspaper rolled into a cone shape and stuck together with grease, but amazing that it has survived, along with this rifle in such wonderful condition. What a great find for the French military rifle collector. 53160-6 JWK (4,500-8,500)