fusil Mle 1907, worth adding to a collection?

[regress]

As I dig around a little for more information on the fusil Mle 1907, it seems they aren't often talked about.

With under 5,000 having been made from what I can dig up, is this something that's very common in the average collection?

Do you have one in yours?

I'm curious as to why they are mentioned so little. Are they simply not overly sought after, except by those specializing in french arms?

I appreciate everyones feedback.

Wikipedia has the following mention of it (along with the 1902):

Fusil Mle 1902 and Mle 1907

After the success of the Berthier carbines or mousquetons, two full-length Berthier rifles were introduced during the years preceding World War I. They were the fusil Mle 1902 ("rifle, model of 1902") and the fusil Mle 1907, which were issued respectively to Indochinese and Senegalese Tirailleur troops. Lighter and easier to handle and load than the Mle 1886/M93 Lebel rifle, the Berthier rifles proved more suitable for offhand shooting and easier to maintain in tropical environments. In comparison to the Mle 1886 Lebel, the Berthier's sights were also wider, higher and more substantial. Like their shorter carbine counterparts, these Berthier rifles also featured a Mannlicher-type 3-round en bloc clip-loaded magazine and used 8 mm Lebel ammunition. The Mle 1902 and Mle 1907 were made on special order and in small numbers (altogether about 5,000 rifles) by the Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault.

Information

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[jmoore]

I'd have one if one presented itself (for a not too insane price) providing the condition was good. Most are pretty rough.

[regress]

I'd have one if one presented itself (for a not too insane price) providing the condition was good. Most are pretty rough.

I guess it makes sense they didn't end up in that great shape given the African climate... ...let alone what storage conditions might have been like during the end of the colonial period in Africa (when i'm guessing these in North America came on the market.)

Might anyone know who was the main company exporting these from Africa during the 70's - 90's? Did they come directly out of Senegal? Or were they exporting from a different country which managed to acquire them over time?

From what i've been able to find, they tend to sell for $300 - $500 in Canada. Might this be around what everyone has been seeing too? (i'll admit, i'm not sure i'd pay $500 for one, but would probably bite at the chance if one ever came up in the $300 - $400 range) ...it's a pitty they haven't increased in value along the lines of K98's or M1's etc... ...especially given the extra age on these....

[jmoore]

I think I paid US$375 for my only French carbine to date, but it's a later model:





French rifles are pretty scarce in these parts, and I like "hands-on" examination before buying.

[regress]

Nice rifle sir.

I think I paid US$375 for my only French carbine to date, but it's a later model:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff005-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff006-1.jpg



French rifles are pretty scarce in these parts, and I like "hands-on" examination before buying.

---------- Post added at 02:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:49 PM ----------

Also, wanted to quickly also ask if anyone knows what the range of serial numbers were on the 1907's? With the few made, i'm curious what the range in serials is.