November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Realizing the demand for a compact and portable rifle for France's new airborne companies, in 1937 the French military began researching how to they could adapt their recently adopted MAS 39 to fit the needs of their airborne troops. The final design resulted in eliminating about 5" of the barrel, and also included shortening the stock, shortening of the spike bayonet, as well as the addition of an aluminum underfolding buttstock, and a unique auto-winding sling assembly, which would automatically coil the sling when the stock was closed, and unwind when opened. This final design was accepted in 1939 and given the designation "Crosse Repliable 39" (Folding Stock 39). Production was quickly halted after the 1940 armistice but resumed shortly after the liberation of the St. Etienne arsenal. This example is stamped "MAS MLE 1939 CR.39" above the serial number on the left side of the receiver. Matching numbers are present on the receiver and trigger guard. Floorplate, bayonet, and aluminum folding stock does not match but is within the same "F" prefix block. Aluminum stock does not retain its sling winder. Rear barrel band is from an American 1903A3. Accompanying this already scarce CR39 rifle is a handwritten tag and paper from the consignor reading "Captured from Viet Minh 1951/ Bought from Valley Forge Military College/ by Gen T.C. Mataxis.". PROVENANCE: Former collection of Brigadier General Theodore C. Mataxis. CONDITION: Receiver and barrel show heavy wear, retaining some of their arsenal phosphate finish, exhibiting areas of wear to grey patina all around concurrent with use by French and Vietnamese forces during the Indochina War. Bore is good, exhibiting areas of inactive oxidation and retaining fair rifling throughout. Aluminum folding stock shows some scattered handling marks and shows age-related discoloration all around. Wood furniture shows scattered dings, impressions, and handling marks, with heavy smoothing all around from use. An already extremely desirable French CR39 rifle that, with its accompanying provenance, will make for the centerpiece of the discerning military firearms enthusiast's collection. MLW
Caliber/Bore
7.5x54mm French
Paperwork
Consignor paperwork and tag indicating capture from Viet Minh