Pictures of Various Berthier Rifles and Carbines

[1886lebel]

Pictures of the various type of Berthier Fusils, Carabines and Mousquetons from the collection of my friend John Sheehan a WWI collector and researcher. I have added the official names of each weapon with a little information on them. All of these are in the original WWI configuration and not later modification type.


Top: Fusil de Infanterie Modèle 1907-1915 (Mle.1907-15) ... The first models had bent bolt handle as found on the Fusil de Tirailleur Sénégalais "Colonial" Modèle 1907 but were changed to the straight type in the middle of 1915. This weapon was adopted for service on February 26,1915
Bottom: Fusil de Infanterie Modèle Modifié 1916 (Mle.M.16) ... This weapon was adopted for service on November 11,1916


Top: Fusil de Tirailleur Indochinois Modèle 1902 (Mle.1902) ... This weapon was adopted for service on May 22,1902
Middle: Fusil de Tirailleur Indochinois Modèle 1902 Modifié 1916 (Mle.1902 M.16)
Bottom: Fusil de Tirailleur Sénégalais "Colonial" Modèle 1907 (Mle.1907) ... This weapon was adopted for service on June 19,1908


Top: Carabine de Cavalerie Modèle 1890 2ème type (Mle.1890 Cavalerie) ... It was found that the sling swivel at the bottom of the stock on the Carabine de Cavalerie Modèle 1890 1ème type that was adopted for service on March 14,1890 was not suited for carrying while mounted therefore it was decided to place a sling bar on the left side of the stock to help carry the weapon. This particular model was adopted for service on March 25,1895
Middle: Carabine de Cuirassier Modèle 1890 (Mle.1890 Cuirassier) ... This model had a combless stock and leather butt-plate. This weapon was adopted for service on March 14,1890
Bottom: Carabine de Gendarmerie Modèle 1890 (Mle.1890 Gendarmerie) ... This weapon was exactly the same as the Mousqueton de Artillerie Modèle 1892 but used the Epée-Baïonnette Modèle 1890 and are marked on the receiver as Mle.1890 instead of Mle.1892. This weapon was adopted for service on March 14,1890


Top: Mousqueton de Artillerie Modèle 1892 Mle.1892) ... This weapon was adopted for service sometime in 1892 but still researching as to when that happened.
Middle: Carabine Colonial Modèle 1902 or Carabine Alpine Modèle 1902 ... This was a very un-official model that was modified by some specialized units such as the Chasseurs Alpins by adding the Mle.1902 front barrel band to the weapon. As to why this was done is unknown at this time.
Bottom: Mousqueton de Artillerie Modèle Modifié 1916 (Mle.M.16) ... This weapon was adopted for service on November 11,1916

Information

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[Claven2]

Those are great photo example of the Berthier types. They'd make a great Knowledge Library entry by themselves

What are the odds Mr. Sheehan would allow you to submit your post as an MKL entry in the France section?

[1886lebel]

I do not think John would mind at all. Let me re-edit the post with more information on each of the weapons. This might take me a few days to do ... I am a wealth of knowledge on these weapons ... lol
Patrick

[Claven2]

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for the efforts you are putting forward I've followed your posts on French kit for some years now on Gunboards and Parallax - glad to see you contributing here

[Claven2]

I should also mention, if you snd me some higher resolution pics of the photos you posted we can host them for your submission article in the French section.

Here's my e-mail:

Claven2@milsurps.com