GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
RARE 1917 FRENCH TRANSITIONAL SEMI AUTOMATIC RIFLE.FSA1917F138548MM LEBELMODERN; C&RCal. 8mm Lebel. 31″ bbl. Model 1917, Manufacture d'Armes, marked "MA". Includes orig black leather sling. Extremely fine example of unusual French Transitional Semi-Auto rifle dated "Juin 1917". SN on bottom plate is a re-number from orig number which is struck through. Stock is SN "40562". Action operates smoothly when cycled by hand and appears fully functional. This firearm appears to have been made from standard service rifle parts, stock is inlet for orig rifle bbl band and shows evidence of gouges having been filled in. Makers mark "MA" and "N" on the receiver and barrel. Bbl indexed to receiver. Stock also includes maker's cartouche "MA" and "Juin 1917". SN on bbl, charging handle, left side of butt stock all appear matching. Safety retaining plate is an orig renumber to match gun Orig and unusual mag retaining latch. PROVENANCE: From the Estate of World Renowned British Rifle Collector Robert W. Faris. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish very good to extremely fine. Orig finish with some scattered corrosion and pitting turning to a grey patina on left side of receiver above buttstock, otherwise with the high points turning a grey patina. Trigger guard and trigger devoid of finish. Buttplate also shows some moderate scale and otherwise bare metal. Bore is extremely fine, shiny and bright. Wood significantly dinged, bruised and chipped and has been sanded, but otherwise strong and serviceable. These WWI era transitional semi-auto rifles are always of interest to collectors, and this one would be a welcome addition to any WWI firearms collection. 51608-7 JWK (2,500-5,000)