Possible m16 berthier carbine German capture?

N

ND1889

Well-known member
I’ve had this one for a while and always wondered, 1907 receiver that was rebuilt post ww1 with 1920 barrel, all part match stock was sanded along the line but the serial is still crisp on it. What makes me think it’s a possible German capture is the blued bolt, it’s well done and not some bubba job. I don’t see any German markings nor is the stock upgraded to the k98 sling cut out. Opinions on if it’s a German capture?
Pics:
https://imgur.com/a/0NBYBCQ
 
The bluing on the bolt certainly suggests that. Have any of the small components (barrel bands, rear sight) been numbered? Too bad about the stock.

I'm just curious: why would the Germans add a sling cut out when these were produced with a sling bar?
 
Agree with Pat. Have never seen, or heard of a Berthier modified for a K98k sling. German use probably hard to confirm, but if it was in French service still by WW2, very possible. I assume it has the Balle N marking on top the receiver? I think most of the French rifles sent abroad between the wars didn't get the Balle N marking.
 
Yep rifle is Ball N marked. In my searches I did see a carbine with the k98 sling cut out before but dont think its common. Didnt notice any small parts numbered other then what the french would have done.
 
Any keel/heel markings ? Should be right behind the hump near trigger guard twirls buttstock.

Any serial numbers on the sight ?
 
This is a M1892 Artillery carbine receiver modified to M16 configuration, or post 1920 to the new modells, MD is probably for Modifie? there is older serial on barell left side under wood line, striked out. interesting carbine. the screw in bolt part looks like strange one, could be screwed into hole?
 
Yeah it’s almost like they tried to put the barrel on a different rifle but ended up not. All that’s there is a two letter prefix crossed out.
 
From the french table M92 started life in Saint Etienne H 85xxx -was made in 1914 around late 8.month or early 9.month. So there was done reworking in 1920 in Chatellerault because of MAC 1920 marking and possible later for N Balle post 1932.
 
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