French 1890 Carbine

[Bill Grist]

Ok, Patrick and the Guys in the UK here is another French item. The French Berthier Model of 1890 and I hope that I get all of the Modifications correct as the French modifications on weapons can be very very confusing.. Might need some help from French Carbine collectors. I'll try to post the whole series of French Carbines in the next few days. If forum members would like to see them? Here goes the first..Commonly refered as Lebel Carbines.. The 1890 Berthier Carbine, 1901 Sights modified for Ball 'D' ammo commonly refered as Ball 'D' (DESALEAX) thus the (MD) after the Model desigination 1890 on the reciever (MODIFICATION DESALEAUX)...1902 safety notch was eliminated on the bolt. 1909 recoil lug added to the stock to stop breakage at the wrist, 1915 bayonet lug added, 1927 Cleaning rod was removed and the rod channel filled in on the stock, a stacking prong was added to the upper band of the carbines, 1932 The Model 1932 cartridge known as the Ball 'N' cartridge was adopted so the chambers were re cut and the reciever, barrel and rear sight base were marked with a (N)... Included in the picts are some accessories to include the rare French ersatz cloth, leather reinforced sling made from a machine gun cloth belt... I believe that because of the shortness of this carbine that many came home in GIs duffel bags.. I have even found a German single ctg. pouch with 6 of these 3 shot French clips in it, 5 were loaded and one clip was empty..enjoy BILL

[Bill Grist]

2

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4

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5

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6

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7

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8

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9.. anyone know the meaning of the 'U' on the stock

[Bill Grist]

10.. Ersatz sling....

[Patrick Dempsey]

Hello Bill,

what a superb looking carbine. The sling you have is quite remarkable too.
I must commend you on the accessories that you manage to put with the weapons too.

It must be a little frustrating at times finding it all.


Thanks for the photos,

Patrick.

[Bill Grist]

Frustrating

Hello Bill,

what a superb looking carbine. The sling you have is quite remarkable too.
I must commend you on the accessories that you manage to put with the weapons too.

It must be a little frustrating at times finding it all.


Thanks for the photos,

Patrick.

It is frustrating, but I am having a good time since retiring. It is good to get these 'old soliders' out for some sunlight and oil.. BILL

[R_Hessian]

It is frustrating, but I am having a good time since retiring. It is good to get these 'old soliders' out for some sunlight and oil.. BILL

Bill,
Years ago in a box of German ammunition I found a 8mm lebel "Blank" round that was loaded with a blue wood "bullet" I believe these were made by the Germans when Lebel rifles were re-issued... I still have the odd round.

Robert

[Bill Grist]

Lebel Round

Bill,
Years ago in a box of German ammunition I found a 8mm lebel "Blank" round that was loaded with a blue wood "bullet" I believe these were made by the Germans when Lebel rifles were re-issued... I still have the odd round.

Robert

Robert, Post a pict. of the Lebel round. I would love to see it and the head stamp. Yes 8mm Lebel was loaded by the French/Germans durring occupation.. I have some steel cased 1943 loadings send me your mailing address again.by PM... BILL

[R_Hessian]

Robert, Post a pict. of the Lebel round. I would love to see it and the head stamp. Yes 8mm Lebel was loaded by the French/Germans durring occupation.. I have some steel cased 1943 loadings send me your mailing address again.by PM... BILL

Bill, I will send you my address... and I will post the round for you. When I went "digging" I also found some other things I didn't know I had they will also be posted, I suspect you will be able to help.

Robert