French 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle 8mm Lebel Bolt Action 1891 Antique No FFL
SOLD FOR: $2100
LSB#: 220107DW012
Make: Manufacture d’armes de Chatellerault (MAC), France
Model: 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle. A Model 1886 with the 1893 bolt modification.
Serial Number: D78947
Year of Manufacture: 1891 barrel date. These rifles were produced between 1887 to 1920.
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Action Type: Bolt Action, 8 Round Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “P”, “star / P” (twice), “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / Chatellerault” and “MLE 1886 M93”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a “script letter” and the serial number. The left side of the buttstock (stamped over other numbers), bottom metal and bolt handle are marked with the serial number. The bolt handle knob is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The belly of the stock is marked with an illegible deeply stamped number. The top of the receiver and the top of the barrel shank are each marked “N” next to each other. The right side of the barrel shank is marked “MA C1891”. The barrel shank is also marked “circled L”, “circled C” and “JH”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 31 1/2 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a sight escalator when down. The left side of the rear sight base is marked from “4-8” for use with the escalator. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder marked from “9-24”. The sight ladder’s sliding blade is missing.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, nosecap with stacking rod, barrel band, two sling loops, through bolt and a metal butt plate. The buttplate shows scratches and light surface erosion. The stock hardware shows scrapes and discoloration. The forearm shows repairs on the bottom next to the nosecap and on the left next to the barrel band. The finger grooves each show a circular surface repair. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged small areas of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as a refurbished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion throughout the bore. It is more prominent in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish as refinished. Small scratches and small spots of oxidation show through the new finish. The top rear of the barrel has oxidation bleeding though the new finish causing discoloration. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and areas of light thinning. The thinned areas of the finish show discoloration from oxidation. The trigger guard was not refinished. It shows scratches, thinning and light surface erosion. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as a refinished antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
The magazine follower is still under tension from the spring. The magazine tray (lifter) and magazine cutoff function. This rifle was made without a safety.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a leather sling. It shows scrapes, discoloration and surface creasing. It is in Good to Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This French MLE 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle was made by Manufacture d’armes de Chatellerault (MAC) back in 1891. The metal & wood have been refinished so the rifle looks great for its age. Luckily the metal still has nice markings that add to this rifle history. The action functions properly and the barrel still has deep grooves. This 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle will add to your French or Military collection. This rifle is an antique so No FFL is required…unless you live in California.
Good luck.