Offered for sale is a World War I era French service rifle, the Berthier Mle 1907 infantry rifle, chambered in 8mm Lebel and manufactured by Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault.
Based on the structural characteristics of the rifle, this example retains the original Mle 1907 infantry configuration. The barrel is fully exposed and the rifle does not have an upper handguard. The barrel also lacks the retaining grooves used for handguard clips, which is one of the key features distinguishing the Mle 1907 from the later 1907/15 pattern.
The rifle retains the classic Berthier three-round magazine system, consistent with the early infantry pattern used before later wartime modifications.
The left side of the receiver retains the original factory marking “Châtellerault Mle 1907”, indicating production by Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault, one of the primary French state arsenals responsible for Berthier rifle production during the early 20th century.
The receiver, stock, and trigger guard floorplate are matching numbers. The bolt is mismatched, which is commonly encountered on French military service rifles due to long service life and arsenal maintenance.
The bolt assembly is clean internally and the action operates smoothly. The bore shows strong and well-defined rifling, appearing to be in better condition than many surviving Berthier rifles.
The barrel and receiver are marked with the “N” stamp, indicating the later French arsenal chamber modification allowing the rifle to safely use 8mm Lebel Balle N ammunition.
The stock remains structurally solid and in good overall condition. Several rectangular arsenal wood repairs are visible on the stock. These repairs are typical of long-serving French military rifles and reflect normal arsenal maintenance during the rifle’s service life.
The metal surfaces show honest military wear with no signs of modern refinishing, preserving the rifle’s authentic military appearance. Many detailed photos are provided to allow collectors to carefully examine the rifle’s markings, metal finish, and stock condition.
This rifle is accompanied by a French Berthier pattern cruciform spike bayonet. The bayonet features the distinctive hooked quillon guard used on early Berthier bayonet designs and retains the classic four-sided spike blade profile. Inspection markings are present on the guard. The bayonet shows typical age and service wear consistent with military use and mounts correctly to the rifle. The bayonet is included without scabbard.
Many detailed photos are provided to allow collectors to examine the rifle closely.
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
