Two new French classic additions.

Got these over the weekend...an 1886/93 Lebel with bayonet brought back from Afghanistan, and a 1907/15 Berthier. Both are St Eteinne. The Afghan example is in remarkably good condition, but I do not think the 1888 date on the barrel is the correct one, may have been remarked in order for it to be brought back. Certainly looks as though the roundel on the butt has been messed with. Otherwise it seems to be all matching, as is the Berthier. Also there appears to be some Arabic script on the buttplate of the Lebel. The Berthier sports the night sights. Thought you guys might like to have a look!

"...Also there appears to be some Arabic script on the buttplate of the Lebel..."

I think that is a very scruffily applied number 6(???) 2 2 underlined.
Could you post a photo that shows the left half more clearly?

The 1886 on the receiver is the model date. The barrel markings are original, correct, and not "fiddled".

MA T 1888 N

Manufacture d'Armes. Tulle. Date of manufacture 1888. Modified for "Balle N".

ALL OK !

Yes, I realize the 1886 is the model. It just kind of appears that there was some grinding on the barrel where the 1888 is.

Well sorry, I can't tell that from here! As always, my judgement is AFAICSWAHTOIMH. The photo seems to have a lot of glass reflection. Maybe the apparent grinding was the result of rust removal?
This is the kind of problem where you really need a good look with a watchmaker's eyeglass. Are there grinding marks through the numbers, or are the numbers stamped through the grinding marks?

Looks like you've done well! One can only imagine how a Lebel ended up in Afghanistan, of all places.

They both look like pretty good examples coming from where they did.

Per chance could it be a "Khyber Pass" copy? I've seen some of the Brit Martini copies at the bazaar's, very difficult to tell the diff unless you knew what to look for. The Afghans do some good work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shuvelrider

Per chance could it be a "Khyber Pass" copy? I've seen some of the Brit Martini copies at the bazaar's, very difficult to tell the diff unless you knew what to look for. The Afghans do some good work.

---

I am not sure they would Khyber Pass a Lebel. Also if they did it wouldn't have things like the 'N' and it wouldn't be so accurate to a actual Lebel.

Definitely not a Khyber.