So I've wanted a Frenchicon rifle for awhile, but with the high price of Lebels had settled for a Berthier or MAS36. However, I lucked out at a local auction today and snagged this St Etienne built 1886 M93 R35 Lebel Carbine at a very reasonable sum. However, this one has some odd features I've not seen on other guns. The only thing I know is that it is not a bubba built carbine as it is stamped as it should be.

First, the front band has no provisions for a stacking rod, and the lower band has no swivel. The lower band is marked with a P, a mark that reappears on the trigger guard. In addition there is no bayonet lug. Also made note of the difference in bluing on the end of the barrel and the odd finish on the front band.

Next, on the rear of the stock there is a patch and the faint remains of a serial number on it. It almost appears to have been to replace a cavalry style sling mount, but even this is different than the type found on Berthiers. I have seen one picture of an R35 with a sling mounted in this fashion but could not find a picture that showed the mount.

Finally, it's not painted black, but instead a dull gray blue on the receiver and barrel. The serial and prefix suggest, if I read the source right, approximately 1988 production on the receiver, while the barrel is clearly marked 1916. It's obviously been refinished at some point given some light pitting under the finish, most likely when it got the new barrel. I've attached some pictures as I'm curious what people think. Is it possible someone got rid of the stacking rod, forward swivel, and bayonet lug? I was planning to shoot this rifle as it seems to be in good shape with a pretty decent bore and crown.













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