Continsouza Berthier M16 carbine.

[Anzac15]

Picked this rather neglected Continsouza up this weekend. It is an all matcher, great bore, but unfortunately has a pretty severe rust problem. ( bolt is soaking right now ) Barrel date of 1918. No upper handguard, and looks as though it hasnt had one in a while. I am curious about the front sling swivel, it is French, and Ive never seen one placed under like this. Also the clearing rod...brass tipped, but looks different. Have a look!

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[Anzac15]

Oh yeah....it's not 'N' marked either.....

[vintage hunter]

Could be wrong but I don't think the swivel is French or military. Looks like an aftermarket sporting type. Brass tip do look odd as well. If you decide to shoot it PRVI ammo is made to Balle D spec and is safe to use in non converted examples.

[jmoore]

Looks like an aftermarket sporting type.

First thought is that it may be marked on the small flat of the center ball. Old Williams, maybe?

[Anzac15]

Was kind of wondering about this stock....wouldnt it have been 'notched' or inletted here for the barrel band? The retainer is there, but pics I have seen seem to show where the stock was formed to fit the band. Also there seems to be a 'U' right there.....

[vintage hunter]

Yep there should be a step there, and finger grooves below the rear sight.

[browningautorifle]

I'm not too sure I'd shoot that...

[DocAV]

Stock has been sanded back to eliminate Band recess.. Retaining Spring was left in place. Obviously very old Milsurp, may even be a Bringback from WW I or from Europe in WW II ( Non- "N"- Berthiers were used by Poland, the Balkans, Greece etc, even into WWII and of course, SCW.

Needs a lot of work to remove surface chippy rust etc. Presence of Rod also makes it a pre-1927 refurb as well...so the departure from French control during or right after WW I seems correct.

Doc AV

[villiers]

I very often go wobbly kneed at the sight of a short carbine. But, funnily enough, the Berthier´s the only one I don´t want.