I picked this up yesterday. I almost never see Berthiers in my area and the ones I do see are usually carbines. This one was too nice too pass up. Has a bright shiny bore. Bolt is mismatched but everything else is matching.
Attached File
Best I can tell it is really a transitional model that has the upper handguard of the Mle. 16 but the 3 round capacity of the Mle. 1907/15. My understanding is that very few 5 shot Mle. 16 rifles saw use in WWI.
Attached File
Receiver was made by Constinsouza. They were a gramophone company that ended up making receivers and other small parts during the war. Rifle was assembled by one of the other arsenals.
Attached File
Barrel is dated 1917. It has the N marking indicating the 1930s overhaul for the heavier ball cartridge.
Attached File
Attached File
Rifle came with the original sling but it needs some TLC and I don't have anything to treat leather with at the moment, so it is off the gun lest it get cracked.
Unfortunately the stock is duffel cut right under the rear barrel band. This was done carefully though and should be relatively easy to fix.
Curious if you guys have anything else you can tell me about it. Thanks.