1169

RARE & DESIRABLE WWI FRENCH MODEL 1917 SEMI-AUTO

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
RARE & DESIRABLE WWI FRENCH MODEL 1917 SEMI-AUTO
MILITARY RIFLE CONVERTED TO STRAIGHT PULL REPEATER. Cal. 8mm Lebel. S# F26969. All visible numbers match except safety housing. Bbl. 31 1/2". These rifles were mfg. in attempt to equip French military forces w/ an autoloading rifle. Due to design & mfg. limitations, they were not totally successful in the rigors of trench warfare. Some of these rifles have their gas systems deactivated & were used later by colonial forces as a straight pull bolt action. Receiver is unmarked. Bbl. marked on right side over chamber w/ "MA". Marked on left side over chamber w/ "A" & oval "B" acceptance mark. Ladder rear sight graduated to 2,400m. Rectangular front sight w/ grooved top. Hinged mag. cover for the 5 rd. Mannlicher type loading clip. Walnut stock set. Slightly obscured circular marking on right side of butt includes encircled "MA" "1917" "CS". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 13 1/4" quadrangular bayonet w/ curved quillon marked w/ acceptance marks & S#. Steel tubular scabbard & unmarked original leather frog. Bayonet is in very good condition. Frog & scabbard appear in good serviceable condition. CONDITION: stock set has arsenal rework type finish w/ scattered filled dents but leaving most markings legible. Metal has 85% arsenal rework blue w/ thinning & sm. areas of light wear. Mag. cover has notable braized repairs on both sides. Trigger guard & trigger are in the white. Fair worn bore turning dark. (22-301/RW). CURIO. $2,500-3,500.