Original Antique French Mannlicher Berthier Mle 1890 Saddle-Ring Carbine by Châtellerault – serial B29922 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Mannlicher-Berthier rifles and carbines were a family of bolt-action small arms in 8mm Lebel, used in the French Army from the 1890s to the beginning of World War II (1940). The Berthier design began as the “Mousquetons Berthier” – a series of bolt-action cavalry and artillery carbines with distinctly different actions from the Mle 1886/M93 8mm Lebel rifle. For instance, the Berthier carbine’s bolt lugs lock vertically into the receiver instead of horizontally as in the Lebel rifle. Berthier carbines were first issued in 1890 and 1892, and had been designed by Emile Berthier, an engineer at the French Algerian Railways, to be used with standard 8mm Lebel ammunition.

The Berthier design was introduced as a replacement for the various aging Mle 1874 Gras single-shot carbines – still standard for French cavalry, artillery, and gendarme forces even after the introduction of the Mle 1886/M93 Lebel. Prior experiments with several carbine versions of the Lebel action proved unacceptably heavy and slow to load while on horseback. While retaining most of the action’s strong points, the Berthier carbine improved on the earlier Mle 1886 rifle by using a one-piece stock and a Mannlicher-style, charger-loaded en bloc 3 shot clip. These Berthier carbines were progressively allocated to all cavalry, artillery and gendarmerie troops during the 1890s.

The first Berthier carbine came into production as the “Carabine de Cavalerie Modèle 1890“, which was officially adopted for service on March 14, 1890. The main production facilities were the Manufacture d’Armes de St Etienne or MAS and the Manufacture d’Armes de Chatellerault or MAC. The search for a suitable small arm for mounted troops was given greater urgency by the Germans’ development of the Karabiner Modell 1888, a carbine variant of the Gewehr 1888. It was issued to essentially all French artillery and cavalry troops. As the high Command appreciated the performance of the Mle 1890 Berthier carbine, a second version was specifically produced for artillery service, the “Mousqueton Mle 1892” which could mount a short blade bayonet and thus had a re-designed forend stock. However it continued to feature the 3-round En-bloc clip of the Model 1890 carbine. During the First World War it became obvious that the 3-round clip was a handicap compared to German short weapons such as the German Kar98AZ which had a 5-round clip.

The left side of the receiver on this interesting early example is clearly marked with Châtellerault, and to the right MLE 1890, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at Châtellerault. The rifle has arsenal proofs on most parts, and has serial number B29922 on the magazine housing, while the other serial numbers are not matching, indicating that it was most likely refit at arsenal. This most likely happened during WWI, as the barrel looks to have been replaced at that point, and is marked MA C 1915, indicating manufacture and most likely refitting at Châtellerault.

The Modèle 1890 carbines were only manufactured until 1893, when enough have been made for just the cavalry, and production shifted entirely to the Mousqueton Modèle 1892. All receivers marked with the MLE1890 marking are pre-1899 manufacture and considered antique by Federal law.

The carbine is fitted with a large Saddle Ring on the left side of the 17″ barrel, with the recessed sling loop on the left side of the butt stock still present. The cleaning rod was removed and has had the channel filled, so this is definitely a carbine that saw long service and many arsenal refits.

This Berthier Saddle Ring carbine is in good condition, showing wear from long service on the metalwork, while the stock has been reconditioned and repaired, possibly several times. The bore is in very good condition, showing crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. The rifle does cycle well, with a good dry fire. 

A very nice example of a hard to find carbine, ready to display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1890-1893
Caliber: 8×50mmR Lebel
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 17 Inches
Overall Length: 37 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 3-round Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip