Offered here is an original French Fusil Modèle 1886 Modifié 1893 (Lebel Mle 1886 M93) infantry rifle chambered in 8×50mmR Lebel, manufactured by Manufacture d'Armes de Tulle (MAT).
Officially adopted in 1886, the Lebel was the world's first military service rifle specifically designed for smokeless powder ammunition, revolutionizing military firearms and establishing the foundation for virtually every modern military bolt-action rifle that followed. The M93 modification incorporated several improvements to the original design while retaining the iconic tubular magazine and full-length infantry configuration that made the Lebel one of the defining rifles of the First World War.
This example was manufactured by Manufacture d'Armes de Tulle and retains its original MAT 1917 barrel, remaining in its original long infantry configuration rather than one of the later shortened conversions.
Visible serial numbers indicate matching major components, including the barrel/receiver assembly, bolt body, stock, handguard, and magazine floorplate. The bolt head is marked "40", a style of marking commonly encountered on Lebel components; however, the exact significance of this marking cannot be determined conclusively based solely on the markings present.
The original military stock remains in very good overall condition, retaining its authentic military character with an attractive, naturally aged patina developed through more than a century of service and preservation. The wood exhibits honest military handling marks consistent with age and service but shows no evidence of heavy modern sanding or refinishing. Two arsenal-style period wood insert repairs are present, together with a few minor stable age-related cracks. All repairs remain solid and stable and do not affect structural integrity, function, or overall appearance.
One of the strongest attributes of this rifle is its bore. The bore remains in excellent condition for a rifle of this age, retaining strong, sharp rifling throughout. Considering that this is an early smokeless-powder military rifle manufactured during the First World War, the bore is significantly better than that found in the average surviving Lebel rifle on today's collector market, making this example particularly desirable for advanced collectors.
The rifle is fitted with an original period French military leather sling, featuring the early roller-buckle pattern commonly associated with Lebel service rifles. The sling displays appropriate age and wear and complements the rifle's originality exceptionally well.
Overall, this is an increasingly difficult rifle to find in such honest, original condition. With its original full-length configuration, matching major components, excellent bore, original military stock, period sling, and authentic military character, this Lebel represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors of First World War militaria, early smokeless-powder firearms, and historically significant military rifles.
Features
- Original French Lebel Mle 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle
- Chambered in 8×50mmR Lebel
- Manufactured by Manufacture d'Armes de Tulle (MAT)
- Original MAT 1917 barrel
- Original full-length infantry configuration
- Matching major components (visible serial numbers)
- Bolt head marked "40"
- Original military stock
- Two arsenal-style period wood insert repairs
- Minor stable age-related cracks
- Excellent bore with strong, sharp rifling
- Includes original period French military leather sling
