Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Lebel Model 1886 rifle (French: Fusil Modèle 1886 dit "Fusil Lebel") is also known as the "Fusil Mle 1886 M93", after a bolt modification was added in 1893. It is an 8 mm bolt action infantry rifle that entered service in the French Army in 1887. It is a repeating rifle that can hold eight rounds in its forestock tube magazine, one round in the transporter plus one round in the chamber.
The Lebel rifle has the distinction of being the first military firearm to use smokeless powder ammunition. The new propellant powder, "Poudre B," was nitrocellulose-based and had been invented in 1884 by French chemist Paul Vieille. Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Lebel contributed a flat nosed 8 mm full metal jacket bullet ("Balle M," or "Balle Lebel"). Twelve years later, in 1898, a solid brass pointed (spitzer) and boat-tail bullet called "Balle D" was retained for all 8mm Lebel ammunition. Each case was protected against accidental percussion inside the tube magazine by a primer cover and by a circular groove around the primer cup which caught the tip of the following pointed bullet.
Featuring an oversized bolt with front locking lugs and a massive receiver, the Lebel rifle was a durable design capable of long range performance. In spite of early obsolete features, such as its tube magazine and the shape of 8mm Lebel rimmed ammunition, the Lebel rifle remained the basic weapon of French line infantry during World War I (1914–1918). Altogether, 3.45 million Lebel rifles were produced by the three French state factories between 1887 and 1916.
The left side of the receiver on this fine example is marked with a somewhat worn MANUFACTURE D'ARMES / Châtellerault marking, and to the right MLE 1886 M 93, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at Châtellerault. The "M93" is a separate stamping in a different font, indicating the receiver was produced before the modification was introduced in 1893, so it is definitely a Pre-1899 Antique. It would have been marked when it was updated with the bolt modification.
The rifle has arsenal proofs on most parts, and also is marked on the barrel with MA T.1918, so the barrel was replaced after WWI as part of standard arsenal service. The rifle has serial number R 31536 on the floor plate, and the replacement barrel, which was marked to match. The original butt stock is matching numbered, while the fore stock serial number is too worn to read. This rifle definitely saw long service, with parts swapped out at arsenal over the years, and many remarked to match.
Condition of the rifle is very good, though it definitely has seen long service, indicated by the numerous dents, dings, scratches, and other wear on the stock. There is cracking and some small dowel repairs, but no major wood grafts like we often see. The metalwork shows an overall bright matte patina from cleaning over the years, probably using steel wool or something similar.
The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is however a bulge about 8 1/2 inches from the muzzle, probably from a stuck bullet that was removed long ago. It looks to have only seen light service after having been rebarreled. The rifle cycles correctly and dry fires, and the magazine cutoff functions correctly, though overall the action is a bit stiff. The rear sight is present and fully functional, as is the upper sling swivel, however the lower sling swivel is rust frozen and bent.
Made famous by the GARY COOPER Movie of BEAU GESTE, all about the French Foreign Legion, this was the rifle of the time in the later 1880's. A very nice Mle 1886 M93 Lebel rifle, fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications (rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1890 - before 1893
Caliber: 8×50mmR Lebel
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31.5 Inches
Overall Length: 51.2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 8 round tube magazine
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.
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