Deactivated RARE WWI & WWII French Lebel M1886/M93 Carbine

This rare First World War French military Mle original started life as a standard long rifle. Manufactured in 1886, and later upgraded in 1893 and would have gone to war in 1914. Post WWI France had a surplus of these rifles and with Germany’s rapid militarization it became apparent that the French military would soon need to rearm, and utilizing these weapons was a quick way to full fill this requirement. A program began by simply shortening the Lebel's into carbines. This conversion was done by the four main French arms factories; Tulle, Chatellerault, St.Etienne, and SACM. Barrels and stocks were shortened, the rear barrel band was replaced with another featuring a large, round sling swivel. Some carbines received a bottom sling on the butt stock (like this one) or an inletted bar on the left side, depending on expected usage. During German occupation captured French weapons were re-issued to German units and the Frence Vichy Government. Remarkably this example is still complete with matching numbers including the bolt and bolt head and its factory finish. Note the various armourers repairs to the woodwork, a good indication that this gun saw active service.