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I just received a new Berthier carbine-a Model 1892 manufactured by MAS. The serial numbers are matched on the barrel, trigger guard and bolt. The barrel is an obvious forced match as it is marked MAC 1915. One of the threaded caps for the wrist pins is missing-replaced with a hex nut.
The lug and front barrel band are the real curiosity. The friend I got it from has no idea who did that modification. Pretty obvious that it was an arsenal conversion. The stock does not have any visible cartouches. If anyone recognizes the setup on the front end of this thing, I'd like to know. The headspace on the gun checks out fine, so it will be at the range with me soon. Nothing to complain about, especially considering that it was all of $150 for it.
Berthiers were used by many former French colonial possessions as well as the Germans who captured them during the war in 1940 when they overran France. Nice one, these are fun carbines.
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
Junk Yard Dog wrote:Berthiers were used by many former French colonial possessions as well as the Germans who captured them during the war in 1940 when they overran France. Nice one, these are fun carbines.
That's what I'm wondering-my friend seemed to think that the lug looks like something that the Germans might have used. That would make historical sense as the barrel and receiver are proofed for the Balle N cartridge. At any rate, Bubba didn't do it. Since the French didn't serial number the guns until they were approved by the Army, no telling exactly when the receiver was made. It might have been a battlefield recovery, given that the barrel is a 1915 piece. It doesn't have the improved 1921 sights. He also brought down some others that he wanted me to see, so we looked them over, talked business and they're mine for the asking at what he considers a fair price. All I'll say is that it's well below current market value (which he knows). So over the next few paydays, I'll be adding to the collection.
Having looked more closely at the bayonet lug, it is a German lug of some sort. That suggests that the rifle is a German capture weapon. The canvas sling also appears to be arsenal done as the fasteners are riveted in place.
The Bayonet lug is for the German bayonet, good thing as Berthier carbine bayonets are both expensive and hard to find, German ones around $50-$125.
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
Ive seen a few Lebels, Berthier rifles, Belgian 1889s and Mosins that were modified for German ersatz bayonets albeit in a different style with an attachment at the barrel similar to a Gew88. They were also marked with Deutches Reich cartouches
Any small part proofs, serials etc on the front band/bayonet lug components? Their origin would definitely help. I dont think german army mauser bayonet bars have the two locking notches seen here, just one. Seems South American or at least some place that had multiple generations of mauser rifles and bayonets on hand.
