Manufacture d’Armes St. Étienne MLE 1886 M93 Bolt Action 8mm Lebel Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,575.00
LSB#: WY241122AS036
Make: Manufacture d’Armes St. Étienne
Model: MLE 1886 M93 Lebel
Serial Number: 17053
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Action Type: Bolt Action, Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES St. Étienne” in script and “MLE 1886 M93.” The barrel shank is marked “MA S 1895” indicating manufacture at Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne in 1895. The right side of the barrel is marked with proof marks, including a script “N” and additional inspector markings. The bolt handle is marked with the serial number “17053.” The left side of the stock wrist is stamped with “17053” along with an arsenal acceptance mark. Various small parts are serial-matching or bear assembly numbers and proof marks.
Barrel Length: 31.5”
Sights: The front sight is a blade post on a base, and the rear sight is a ramp-and-leaf sight with a ladder for elevation adjustments.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle features a two-piece hardwood stock with a straight grip and a full-length forearm secured by barrel bands. The wood shows handling marks, scattered nicks, and wear consistent with its age and military use. There are no apparent structural cracks or repairs.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray, the rifling is sharp. There is moderate visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains 30% of its original blued finish with areas of thinning, patina, and wear from handling and service use. The markings remain clear, and the metal components exhibit a smooth, aged patina. There is rust freckling on part of the barrel. There are signs of oxidation, but nothing severe enough to affect function. This rifle is in about Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt cycles smoothly, and the magazine cutoff and safety operate properly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a period-correct cruciform bayonet with a scabbard.
Our Assessment: The MLE 1886 Lebel was the first military rifle to adopt smokeless powder cartridges, fundamentally altering small arms development at the end of the 19th century. Used by French forces through both World Wars, the Lebel rifle features an 8mm tubular magazine and a robust bolt-action system. This particular example, marked “M93,” indicates modifications to accommodate modernized ammunition and improvements made for greater reliability.
For collectors, this rifle is an essential piece of firearms history. Its early smokeless-powder chambering and extensive service history make it a cornerstone of late 19th and early 20th-century military arms. The included bayonet and scabbard enhance its desirability, offering a complete package for display or historical study.
For enthusiasts, the MLE 1886 offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history that played a crucial role in the evolution of bolt-action rifles. Whether for collection, historical research, or careful range use, this rifle stands as an impressive relic of an era that reshaped warfare. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck with your bids.-C.M.
