Original French Lebel Fusil Modèle 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle by Châtellerault with Bayonet and Sling – dated 1888 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Lebel Model 1886 rifle (French: Fusil Modèle 1886 dit “Fusil Lebel“) is also known as the “Fusil Mle 1886 M93“, after a bolt modification was added in 1893. It is an 8 mm bolt action infantry rifle that entered service in the French Army in 1887. It is a repeating rifle that can hold eight rounds in its forestock tube magazine, one round in the transporter plus one round in the chamber. The Lebel rifle has the distinction of being the first military firearm to use smokeless powder ammunition. The new propellant powder, “Poudre B,” was nitrocellulose-based and had been invented in 1884 by French chemist Paul Vieille. Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Lebel contributed a flat nosed 8 mm full metal jacket bullet (“Balle M,” or “Balle Lebel”). Twelve years later, in 1898, a solid brass pointed (spitzer) and boat-tail bullet called “Balle D” was retained for all 8mm Lebel ammunition. Each case was protected against accidental percussion inside the tube magazine by a primer cover and by a circular groove around the primer cup which caught the tip of the following pointed bullet. Featuring an oversized bolt with front locking lugs and a massive receiver, the Lebel rifle was a durable design capable of long range performance. In spite of early obsolete features, such as its tube magazine and the shape of 8mm Lebel rimmed ammunition, the Lebel rifle remained the basic weapon of French line infantry during World War I (1914–1918). Altogether, 3.45 million Lebel rifles were produced by the three French state factories between 1887 and 1916.

The left side of the receiver marked with the remnants of MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / Châtellerault, and to the right  MLE 1886 M93, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at Châtellerault. The rifle has arsenal proofs on most parts, and also is marked MA C 1888 indicating that it was produced in 1888, and later updated with the bolt modification after 1893. The rifle has serial number B 14304 on the barrel, butt stock, fore stock, and receiver floor plate. The bolt serial number is not matching, and was probably changed during the later bolt conversion. 

Condition of the rifle is good, though it definitely has seen long service, which has made the original markings faint, though still visible. The stock has numerous small repairs at the corners of the butt and fore stocks. The metalwork is in good condition, but does show signs of wear and past pitting. The bore shows lands and grooves, but there is much fouling and oxidation, so the finish is mostly dark. The fore sight blade is also missing.

The accompanying bayonet, which is totally correct, with silver alloy grip is the original M1886 version, and still is in the original configuration with a 20 1/2 inch cruciform blade. This is an early example that escaped later modifications, retaining its long blade, quillion, and raised round press stud. The silver-alloy grip is removable. The scabbard is in great shape, with no dents or bends, and a great finish.

The original sling is in good shape, though it has seen quite a bit of service. The central stud for the buckle has somehow worked its way out from the interior. so it is not possible to fasten the buckle at this time. It could easily be repaired though.

Made famous by the GARY COOPER Movie of BEAU GESTE, all about
the French Foreign Legion, this was the rifle of the time in the later 1880’s. A nice Mle 1886 M93 Lebel rifle, completely with bayonet and sling, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888 – updated later
Caliber:   8×50mmR Lebel
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31.5 Inches
Overall Length: 51.2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 8 round tube magazine

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are no able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.