Need some help researching

[LarryEA]

This is NOT a scrolling topic. Just one that came up during Veterans and Rememberance Day.

I have an old rifle that I believe is from WW1 and I would like some information about it.

Here is the information I have:

• Chalellerauli ... full length 51.5 inches (131 cm) barrel is 39 Inches (99 cm)
• Numbers scribed are ...B45571 ... AB@@ ... MLE1907-15 ... MA C1916

One of our French members or anyone willing to help me research this is appreciated.

I've tried online and have not found much.

Thanks everyone.

[Roberta Moreton]

My husband is very familiar with guns. This is a MLE M16 French Rifle. On eBay right now for $510. He just told me that the numbers on the one for $500 don’t match.  If all of your parts numbers match it is worth much more. Carried by the French Foot soldier. Does your have the bayonet? Does it have the magazine?

Edited November 12, 2018 by Roberta Moreton

[LarryEA]

Roberta, Thank you for this information.  How do I check to see if the part numbers match? 

is there any iniformation on the age.

I do not have the bayonet nor the magazine.... 

Can we communicate by EMAIL? My email is          lea6141@gmail.com

again thank you

Oh and the stock is quite beat up....like it was 'used' during the war

Edited November 12, 2018 by LarryEA

[savethebeer]

You could try Ian McCellem at forgotten weapons.com. His websight is brilliant. Bob

[LarryEA]

Thank you ,,, No data found yet , need to write Ian McCellem.... Could not find emAIL

[meflick]

3 hours ago, LarryEA said:

Thank you ,,, No data found yet , need to write Ian McCellem.... Could not find emAIL

@LarryEA - I took a look at the website, in the top right corner of their top logo box, there is a small black box that says "Contact Ian" - if you click there, it gives you this email address: admin @ forgottenweapons.com

 

[LarryEA]

You all are great... I did find some information. I believe there were four manufacturers for this rifle...

Probably best known as a " Berthier "

Still have a bit of research and reading to do...

Thank you 

[LarryEA]

On 11/12/2018 at 9:22 AM, Roberta Moreton said:

 

I believe I found out that it is better known  as a Berthier and I spelled the name on the rifle wrong.... Chaiellerauli

[LarryEA]

French Rifle Data:   (Berthier) 
 (Berthier was a replacement for the 1886 Lebel)
    Engraved Chatellerault
Barrel - 32 ½” 
Full length - 52 ½”
Markings:  
Left Side:   AB j  c (the j & c are circled)  (Steel provider and forge)
                                            (The ‘j & c’ were the Inspector codes)
                       R45571  (Serial Number) (Letters assigned to manufacturer)
                                             (Manufacturer National d’Armes - Assigned - RSTUV)
                         Chaiellerauli MLE 1907-1915  (Model Designation) 
                                                             Mle07/15 -Model 1907 upgraded in 1915
Right Side : MA C1916
Bolt - B58898
Muzzle Velocity 2350 FPS
                            8.38 Lbs.
Manufacture d’Armes de Chatellerault (MAC) 1819 -1968 
                      In the French Town of Chatellerault
 

Edited November 15, 2018 by LarryEA