May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
The standard of the French infantry of the first World War was the Berthier bolt action rifle. Standard features include a blued 31-1/2" barrel with upper hand guard, walnut stock, magazine fed, straight bolt, and chambered for the 8mm Lebel cartridge. This was the first cartridge to use smokeless powder, introduced in 1886. During the first World War, these rifles were converted to be used as sniper rifles with the addition of a Winchester A5 tube scope with the old style Winchester forward spring grasshopper mounts, with scope blocks mounted on front bridge of receiver and through the hand guard in front of the rear sight. This rifle is so equipped with an original Winchester A5 scope, original mounts. Scope blocks are case colored and are newer. The wood is very good with no cracks or chips, just usual war dings. It is marked on the right side of the stock. The left side of the frame is stamped "M16" with the manufacturer. Gun retains at least 90% of the original factory blue finish. Strong bore and perfect action. Bolt has been restamped 6644. Trigger guard is stamped 42820. Scope has perfect optics. Includes an old canvas sling that looks period. A really handsome World War I rifle.