Berthier Mousqueton de Cuirassier Mle 1890...

[len s]

I acquired this carbine recently at a gunshow. It's an unusual variant of the Berthier cavalry carbine specifically made for the French cuirassiers who wore a distinctive steel helmet & breastplate. The stock is markedly different from the standard carbine. It's longer without a comb and has a buttplate made of leather secured by three brass screws. About 20,000 were originally made and after an unknown number were rendered hors de combat in the early days of the Great War practically all the rest were converted to standard carbines. Very few are known to exist. How one came to reside in central Florida will remain a militaria mystery. Thankfully this one is completely matching with a great bore that belies its well used exterior. Here are some pics.

Len

[Walkwolf]

Nice rifle, Len. It's actually in very good condition.........!

[MarkV]

Very nice condition!! Sweet!!

[samnev]

Very nice condition!! Sweet!!

+1 great find, congrats.

[RayG]

A beauty and super rare. Congratulations for a great find, Ray

[lithgow]

A bump for this one-it deserves to be seen-a very, very rare and unusual weapon-kudos to its owner.

[lebus12]

Very nice, perhaps you must change the sling for a leather one.
bretelle mousqueton berthier - Recherche Google