1886 lebel advice???

[rayg]

Here's one w/sling and bayonet that just came up for sale on Gunboards for $650. Can't really tell by the photos, but it almost looks like the metal is little rough under the finish and the stock looks like it was cleaned. , Ray
WTS WWI French Model 1886 Battle Rifle with sling Bayonet

[RCS]

The Lebel rifle auction that Capt Simon posted, that looks like the Lebel rifle had the butt stock cut on the left side for the action cover. The cut
was later repaired. Finding a Lebel with the action cover is quite rare, also require a longer screw too

[rayg]

Here's a link to Neal Gutterman's site showing a Lebel w/dust cover for sale. Not sure if the auction is current, Ray
Request Rejected

Link says rejected but it still links. Not sure why it shows rejected, I heard Neal has not been going to shows recently, maybe cutting back or health problems.
The condition of the cover doesn't match the rifle though. I wonder if they make repro's of them?

[RCS]

SARCO had some action covers some years ago but I would suspect that they might have been repros, you need a longer metric threaded
screw to attach the cover. I would think the covers were discarded after WW1 but US veterans did bring or send home Lebel rifles and
some might have still had the covers.

[rayg]

Looks like the link isn't working now, I just tried it. Maybe just temporary off. Ray

[rayg]

Looks like the link isn't working now, I just tried it. Maybe just temporary off. Ray

Oops, double post.

[RCS]

One nice and somewhat rare accessary to have with your Lebel rifle is the Viven-Bessieres grenade launcher, the French only used the Lebel to launch rifle grenades and not
the Berthier rifle.

[RangeRover]

Hey Bernard. Nice score, and I think you got the rifle for a fair price.. Lebels do not come up that often, and when they do, many are in about the same condition as the one you just acquired. Hope she's not too gritty under the gumline.

My first Lebel was in similar condition to yours, and I was very happy to grab it when it came up, as the search had been a bit long. I moved it on to someone else, who was also pleased to get it, when I found a very much nicer example later on - absent the "N" upgrade.

I think this spent time on display among smokers, as the wood and steel all had a coating of sticky residue that is slowly coming off as I handle the rifle.

[rayg]

That one is a beauty, one of the best condition Lebel rifles I have seen. The wood shows no wear or abuse and w/ deep cartouches. Is it still matching? How about some more photos. As mentioned, You normally don't see them in that condition. Ray

[RangeRover]

Hi Ray. Yes, I couldn't believe this example when it came up. It's almost too nice for me.

She is completely matching. I need to take some fresh photos.