This French Berthier M 1890 began its life as the Carabine de Gendarmerie Mle 1890 (Police Carbine). This is distinguished by the longer distance from muzzle to front barrel band compared to its sister models Carabine de Cavalerie Mle 1890 (Cavalry Carbine) and Carabine de Cuirassier Mle 1890 (Heavy Cavalry).
The rifle is chambered in 8mm Lebel ( 8×50mmR Lebel) and was manufactured by Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne. The barrel is dated 1892 with a length of approximately 17 5/8 inches. Overall length is 37 1/4 inches. Weight comes in at 6.95 lbs.
The French were well known for reusing, modifying, and upgrading all their small arms over the years. This Model 1890 has definitely gone through many changes. First it may have been converted into the pattern of the Model 1892 Artillery as the there is a patch on the bottom butt stock from where the original sling swing mount was located. A sling mount bar is now on the left side butt stock.
As part of France’s upgrading process in 1916 the magazine was changed from its original three round capacity to a five round. The magazine featured a gate on the magazine drop for keeping dirt out of the action. Though this rifle is not marked with “ M16 ” after “ Mle 1890 ” it definitely went through the 1916 modification program.
This rifle would be updated further in the 1930s as it bears the marks for “Balle N” on the top rear barrel and top front receiver. These “N” marks show that the barrel was upgraded to use the more powerful 8mm Lebel that was being produced for use in machine guns during the interwar period.
Given all these changes this rifle would be considered a Berthier Mle 1890 M16. It was originally made around 1892-93 and went through multiple conversions including the 1916 modification program and the early 1930s Balle N modernization. Through all these changes the serial number on this rifle is matching to: receiver (rear barrel), bolt, trigger guard, and stock. The magazine does not match as it is the replacement of the original three round. The bayonet serial does not match as well.
This Berthier Mle 1890 M16 is in very good condition. The stock finish is solid showing only minor wear. There is no evidence of splitting or cracking. There is substantial gouging on the left side of the butt. Other minor dings and gouges are present throughout. There are signs of repair at various points. Patching is seen on the bottom butt where the sling swivel was originally located. There are small patches at the bottom butt plate as well as the top left and right sides of the butt plate. There is a long strip repair on the left front between the barrel bands. Overall the patches/repairs are extremely well done and pretty much seamless to the rifle.
The finish of the barrel and receiver is about 90% and it is almost certainly the result of an arsenal refinish at some point. Most wear is seen at muzzle from the bayonet. Some very minor pitting can be seen on the barrel under the finish. The inside of the receiver shows finish loss and rust staining. The butt plate shows rust staining. The rest of the hardware (trigger guard, barrel bands, magazine) shows wear and patina.
The bolt has rust staining but the bolt face is surprisingly clean. The bolt does have issues as the underside has a number of dings and gouges. The action functions as it should but is a bit stiff and can sometimes bind up a little. This is most likely because of the gouges in the bolt. Overall the action, bolt, and trigger function mechanically as they should. This rifle has NOT been test fired by us.
The bore is nothing short of amazing for a rifle of this vintage. The rifling is very crisp and the bore clean and shiny throughout. This is easily a 4 out of 5 bore with only the smallest signs of wear.
This rifle comes with a Model 1892 bayonet. The serial number of the bayonet does NOT match the rifle. The bayonet is very good with a solid point and no signs of dings or rolling on the blade. The bayonet has extreme patina with only minor rust stains on the pommel. The wood on the grip has blackened and there is a very tiny crack on left side.
DISCLAIMER ON SHOOTING
This rifle is chambered in 8mm Lebel ( 8×50mmR Lebel) and appears to have been upgraded to “Balle N” given its markings. This upgraded rifle should be able to safely fire contemporary 8mm Lebel. As with any older firearm a consultation with a reputable gunsmith is advised before shooting.
