French Saint-Etienne M1886 M93 8mm Lebel Bolt-Action Rifle, MFD 1916
SOLD FOR: $1,600.00
LSB#: WY230827RL026
Make: Manufacture d’armes Saint-Etienne
Model: 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle. A Model 1886 with the 1893 bolt modification
Serial Number: 30459
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Action Type: Bolt Action, 8 Round Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / Saint-Etienne” and “MLE 1886 M93”. The left side of the barrel is marked “30459”. the left side of the buttstock is marked “ MIN Faizi Amen” in Urdu, bottom of the receiver is marked “5355”, and bolt handle is marked “6645S”. 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 EDB 1916”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle. There are proofs on top of the barrel shank.
Barrel Length: Approximately 31.5” Round
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade \atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched leaf with stepped slidder. 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 does not hold firm to the ladder when flipped up and slides loosely up and down.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, nose cap with stacking rod, barrel band, two sling loops, through bolt and a metal butt plate. The wood has light-to-moderate dark compressions and nicks throughout that have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light nicks and spots of minor surface oxidation throughout. The stock rates in Good to Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dark and the rifling is well-defined. There is little erosion in the bore, but light stubborn fouling persists throughout. In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 5/10 for a C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its current metal finish. All metal surfaces have light surface oxidation throughout. The receiver has moderate thinning on most edges. Small nicks and scuffs on the top of the barrel. The action has light operational wear. The bolt handle has gone to a light patina and has light nicks throughout. Screws have light tool marks with usable slots. The majority of markings are worn, but some have deep pitting over them. There is some pitting on the receiver, trigger guard, and barrel. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with a bayonet that has a 21” blade and is in Very Good overall condition.
Our Assessment: This French MLE 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle was made by Manufacture d’armes Saint-Etienne in 1916 making it C&R. Developed by a team of French Military arms designers including the man for whom the cartridge the rifle fires was named—Lebel—the 1886 was designed and brought into use in just five months. And while it is called the M1886, it was not put into service until early 1887. This example does show its age with heavy wear on the stock, but most of its finish. The bore is dark, but has good rifling. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
