$50 possible 'cuirassier' Mle 1890 Berthier carbine project.

[Anzac15]

Found this sad, neglected 1890 Berthier carbine at a flea market today. I couldn't just let it sit there, so fifty smackers and it's mine. Bolt is matching to rifle. Stock is not matching. Chatellerault, 1891 barrel date. Non 'N' marked. After some reading I believe it is a 'cuirassier' carbine. Chat made, 1891 barrel, 'A' prefix, serial number 31**. This is to be my winter project. As I understand, only 20,000 of these were made, only by Chat, and only with 'A' prefixes.
Also, if anyone has any Mle1890 parts for sale, hit me up.
So, 'cuirassier' or not? Chime in!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[UNPROFOR1994]

possible 'cuirassier' Mle 1890

If it is a carabine cuirassiers modèle 1890 it should have a leather buttplate with coppers screws and the total lenght should be 945mm.

[rayg]

And no comb on the butt stock, Ray

Attachment 56746

They changed the stock to having a comb a few years later and moved the sling attachment to the side. Here's my 2nd pattern one to show the change. I would guess it would be next to impossible to find a comb less stock for it much less a longer length stock to the muzzle.

Attachment 56747

[rayg]

And no comb on the butt stock, Ray

[rayg]

Most of these little carbines were altered during WWI to the standard length carbine stocks with the front band with the bayonet lug. The stock and band should be fairly easy to find to rebuild your carbine to the normal upgraded style.
Check 1886Lebel's pinned Berthier post above. Lots of great info, Ray

[Anzac15]

Yeah, the stock ( what's left of it ) is not the carbines original. I just wanted to know if this was an actual cuirassier, having one of only 20,000 would be pretty neat.

[UNPROFOR1994]

Did you check the lenght?