Berthier Rifle, mle. 1907-15/1916, matching numbers, vet bring back

[ralstona]

I just picked this up at a recent gun show. It is a Berthier Rifle, model 1907-15/1916. It has matching serial numbers on the stock, barrel and trigger guard, which is unusual because these are usually thrown together from different parts. It was manufactured in 1918. It has the extended 5 round magazine and an upper hand guard (not on the 07-15). It is in overall nice condition with a nice bright bore. The neatest part is it is a WWII us vet bring back. It is carved on the stock "Canady 4-8-1945". (kind of an odd date??) It is also "duffle cut" about 6 inches from the end of the stock. It was modified in the 30s in a French arsenal to take the "ball N" level 8mm cartridge which makes sense for a battlefield pickup. It also makes it possible to fire now, but I doubt I ever will.

Edited December 29, 2014 by ralstona

[Chris Boonzaier]

It is very possible he picked it up in Germany, apparently many of the French rifles were issued to Volksturm etc in Southern Germany

[ralstona]

The date makes no sense, if that is the date he acquired it. 4-9-45 would be April 9th (at least in the US). April 45...Italy maybe?

[ralstona]

The third pic shows the "N" on the barrel and receiver that was added when the chamber was re-cut to accept the ball-N machine gun ammo.

[Chris Boonzaier]

The date makes no sense, if that is the date he acquired it. 4-9-45 would be April 9th (at least in the US). April 45...Italy maybe?

Hi,

A GI could have picked it up anytime after they crossed the German Border... April 8th 1945 would be perfectly logical?

[Chris Boonzaier]

I think Kanady is Polish for Canadian?

[ralstona]

Right on the 45 part, I was thinking 44. Makes sense for a Germany pick up.

[ralstona]

I assumed it was a last name. Maybe brought back by a Polish Canadian or a Canadian in Poland?

[ralstona]

I've read that they were issued for Atlantic Wall defenses too.