Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this collectible bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the d'Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS) Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16, also known as the Mle 1916 or M16.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS)
Model: Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16 (Also Known As the Mle 1916 or M16)
Model: Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16 (Also Known As the Mle 1916 or M16)
Serial: FK5549
Caliber: 8x50mmR Lebel (AKA 8mm Lebel)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 31 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Flip-Up Adjustable Ladder-Style Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the receiver is stamped “St Étienne Mle M16”. The top of the receiver is stamped with the letter “N”. The bolt handle is stamped with a letter “L” in a circle proof mark. The stock, trigger guard, and barrel are stamped with the same serial number “FK5549”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16—commonly referred to as the Berthier Mle 1916 or M16—represents the culmination of French efforts to adapt the Berthier rifle for modern warfare. The infantry version, the Berthier Mle 1907, was developed from earlier three-round cavalry and artillery carbines to provide a longer-barreled service rifle suited for infantry use. Wartime refinements in 1915, including simplified sights, a straight bolt handle, and the adoption of the standard Lebel bayonet lug, led to the creation of the updated Mle 1907/15, which remained a three-round Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip rifle firing the 8x50mmR Lebel cartridge. The Mle 1907/15 was manufactured by French state arsenals and private contractors, with a small number supplied from an ultimately canceled Remington contract, which helped alleviate chronic shortages of Lebel rifles during World War I. Combat experience in the trenches revealed that the three-round magazine was a significant disadvantage compared to the five-round capacity of German Mauser rifles, and the open magazine port allowed mud and debris to enter.
Caliber: 8x50mmR Lebel (AKA 8mm Lebel)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 31 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Flip-Up Adjustable Ladder-Style Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side of the receiver is stamped “St Étienne Mle M16”. The top of the receiver is stamped with the letter “N”. The bolt handle is stamped with a letter “L” in a circle proof mark. The stock, trigger guard, and barrel are stamped with the same serial number “FK5549”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16—commonly referred to as the Berthier Mle 1916 or M16—represents the culmination of French efforts to adapt the Berthier rifle for modern warfare. The infantry version, the Berthier Mle 1907, was developed from earlier three-round cavalry and artillery carbines to provide a longer-barreled service rifle suited for infantry use. Wartime refinements in 1915, including simplified sights, a straight bolt handle, and the adoption of the standard Lebel bayonet lug, led to the creation of the updated Mle 1907/15, which remained a three-round Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip rifle firing the 8x50mmR Lebel cartridge. The Mle 1907/15 was manufactured by French state arsenals and private contractors, with a small number supplied from an ultimately canceled Remington contract, which helped alleviate chronic shortages of Lebel rifles during World War I. Combat experience in the trenches revealed that the three-round magazine was a significant disadvantage compared to the five-round capacity of German Mauser rifles, and the open magazine port allowed mud and debris to enter.
In 1916, authorities redesigned the Berthier magazine well to accommodate five-round en-bloc clips while retaining compatibility with the older three-round clips. They also added a spring-loaded trapdoor over the magazine port to prevent debris from entering and fitted a short handguard ahead of the receiver. This configuration was formally adopted as the Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16 and entered production. Only a small number of the longer infantry rifles reached the front before the Armistice, while the five-round Mle 1916 carbines (mousquetons) were widely issued to cavalry, artillery, and reconnaissance troops.
After World War I, the Mle 1916 continued to serve in the French military, saw widespread use in colonial and allied units, and remained in service—particularly in carbine variants—through the interwar period, World War II, and even into the 1960s with French law enforcement units such as the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité. The chronic attrition of arms during the war, combined with the need to rebuild and reissue rifles, led arsenals to mix parts from various Berthier patterns, resulting in many surviving rifles being unique in configuration; this variability is a well-recognized feature of Berthier collecting and study.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
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Payment Details
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Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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