November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Being an early adopter of the idea of issuing a semi-automatic rifle their infantrymen, the French's interest would ultimately revert to focusing on the manufacture of the already existing Lebel and Berthier rifles in 1914 due to the outbreak of World War I. A year into World War I, the French military once again showed interest in the development of a new semi-automatic rifle, hoping that it would help to turn the tide of the war. Being developed by notable firearm designer's Paul (R)ibeyrolles, Charles (S)utter, and Louis (C)hauchat, the RSC's first prototype was tested in 1915, with the final design being accepted in 1916, and production starting in 1917. This example was manufactured in 1918, with the left side of the receiver is stamped "MANUFACTURES NATIONALES/ MA T MLE 1917", followed by "S" and "F" for the safety indicator. The barrel is stamped "MA T.1918" on the right side, with an "A" and encircled "B" proof on the left side above the serial number. Top of barrel and receiver bear "N" stamps, indicating that this rifle was retained by the French military into the 1930s and was converted to allow use of the ball N ammunition. Right side of the buttstock bears a cartouche, indicating French military acceptance in 1918. Matching numbers are present on the barrel, operating rod, buttstock, and forearm. Magazine latch is not matching, but is within the same serial number block. Gas valve is not present, enabling only manual operation of the action. CONDITION: Metal components retain the vast majority of their original arsenal blue finish, exhibiting a few scattered areas of wear as well as areas of thinning that show through to a pleasant brown patina when viewed beneath a light. In-the-white components have been cleaned and show a few areas of extremely light and near indiscernible pitting. Mirror bore, exhibiting well-defined lands and grooves throughout. Wood furniture shows some scattered handling marks and impressions, as well as a few minor losses, but otherwise is sturdy and serviceable. A very attractive and high condition example of a Model 1917 RSC semi-automatic rifle, that the discerning collector would find to be hard to upgrade from. MLW
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