Article about: This is a slightly odd variation on the well-trodden captured French carbine theme. Most of those built by the French and subsequently used by the Wehrmacht were Mle. 1916 or Mle. 1892 weapo
This is a slightly odd variation on the well-trodden captured French carbine theme. Most of those built by the French and subsequently used by the Wehrmacht were Mle. 1916 or Mle. 1892 weapons upgraded to Mle.1916 specs in the interwar period. This included the new wide front sight blade, filling in of the cleaning rod channel and the substitution of the old magazine in favor of the fully enclosed and protruding metal 5 round magazine with hinged floor plate.
Instead of a Mle.1892 or 1916, this is a former Berthier Mle. 1907-15 carbine with a 1916 dated barrel that received the first two of the three above listed modifications, but retains it's 3 round magazine and original stock configuration around the action. Note the open area under the magazine. While this allowed a stripper clip to drop free, it also remained wide open to fouling from mud, dirt, et al. Another difference is the lack of a side sling attachment bar seen on most carbines. This carbine retains it's original configuration bottom sling attachment swivel in lieu of the side. I believe the sling is original. It is cloth/canvas with leather end tabs and needs a gentle cleaning.
Another small oddity is the location of the LK5 stamp. These are typically located on the left side of the butt stock, but this one has been stamped on the right side. Like other LK marked weapons, this one has a secondary number stamped into the wrist of the stock. This one also displays stamped serial numbers on components not originally marked by the French, namely both barrel bands and the butt plate. Additionally, the bolt shows traces of having been blued, again contrary to French practice but consistent with German depot practice on many captured weapons.
While not confirmed, the 'LK5' is thought to represent Luftgau Kommando 5, a Luftwaffe command cobbled together in the autumn of 1944 from the shattered remnants of Luftgau Kommando Westfrankreich. The vast majority of LK5 marked weapons are French, but an SVT-40 and a Greek contract Model 1930 Mauser rifle have been reported with the marking. Just last month I saw a LK3 marked bcd 4 K98k Mauser at a gun show. Because of the disproportionate representation of French weapons, it is likely that the Luftwaffe drew locally from captured stocks of rifles, carbines and ammunition for these, which likely saw duty in largely static and uncontested roles (sentry posts, airfield security, et al.). Photographic evidence also reveals use by Heer troops of recognizably lower tier status. See my second post below for period pics of French carbines in German use.
The blizzard of post Great War modifications were never standardised-my example has been rechambered and rebarrelled and refitted but still has the 3 round Mannlicher magazine after all that.
German used French Berthier Mle. 1907/15 carbine
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