Offered here is an original French Berthier Mle 1916 “Mousqueton” carbine, manufactured at Manufacture d’Armes de Châtellerault and clearly stamped MAC 1918. This is the short carbine configuration used by artillery and cavalry troops, fitted with the 5-round fixed internal magazine and the long upper handguard typical of the Mle 1916. Rear sight is graduated to “20” (i.e., 2000 m).
The barrel and receiver markings are authentic and legible. The rifle bears a clear Modifié N marking, indicating (based on standard French arsenal practice) that the chamber neck was slightly enlarged during the inter-war period to accept the later 8×51 R Lebel “Balle N” cartridge. This modification did not change the nominal caliber: it remains part of the 8 mm Lebel family, but was re-proofed for the heavier and slightly wider Balle N bullet.
Wood is solid with honest service wear and small dents consistent with field use. Metal shows a uniform aged patina with visible inspection proofs. The bore condition is good, rifling remains strong and well-defined. The cleaning rod is missing. The buttpad has been replaced with a later leather-type pad identical in shape to the original factory piece (inferred to be a post-war or civilian replacement based on aging and fitting traces). Serial numbers are mismatched, likely replaced during arsenal refurbishment (inferred from numbering pattern and finish consistency).
Bore Condition: Rifling visible and well-defined. Chambering: 8×50 R Lebel (with Modifié N proof — converted chamber for 8×51 R Balle N; inference based on visible “N” stamp and French conversion records). Magazine: 5-round fixed internal. Accessories: No cleaning rod. Bayonet not included — bayonets are sold separately through our store. Stock: Sound, with later replacement leather buttpad (identical in shape to original, inferred post-war replacement). Markings: “MAC 1918” barrel stamp, Modifié N mark, multiple controller proofs (confirmed from photos). Overall: Good + service grade; an honest late-WWI Châtellerault-made carbine, with markings verified and minor post-war updates inferred from condition.
