Is this an un-modified original carbine from 1895 ? ... Actually NO ... the rear barrel band is not correct for this model as this was the type that was used on Carabine de Cavalerie Modèle 1890 2ème Type starting in 1894, not used on the Mousqueton d'Artillerie Modèle 1892. This model should have the one with a concentric ring mounted into it.
Also the stock is not correct either to be unmodified ... The original stock for these had a rotating swivel mounted on the underside of the stock, which this one was removed a filled in with wood. This one has a inletted notch was cut into the left side of the stock with a 6cm (2.36 inch) steel sling bar placed over it to retain the sling in place when in use which was first used on Carabine de Cavalerie Modèle 1890 2ème Type starting in 1894.
What the above tells me is that this weapon was re-built with a different stock and rear barrel band at some point in its life but well before the 1927 Modification Program.
to learn more please read this post ...
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?86602-*-Berthier-Carbine-and-Rifle-Information-*
What does the proof marks mean on the left side of the barrel (C -- C (circled) -- V (circled)) ? ... the C is for who provided the steel for the barrel called the pourvoyeur de acier which was Companie des forges de Châtillon, Gemmentry and Menses-Maisons.
The first circled letter is that of the Supervising Officer called the Directeur de Manufacture of Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault in 1895 and that would be Chef d'Escadron Bonaventure, Joseph, François Camps.
The second circled letter is that of the Final Inspector/Principal Arms Controller called the Contrôleur Généraux Principaux of Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault in 1895 who was Louis Verdin.
What does some of the proof marks (besides the two "E's" and the "7") mean on the bottom of the barrel/receiver ? ... These are all the marks of the different 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class Controllers called Contrôleur de 1ème, 2ème y 3 ème Classe that were either in charge or worked at MAC who inspected the barrel for faults, proofing, etc. The two big E's with crowns that signify the weapons proofing called the Epreuve. The uppermost one is the primary proof of the steel and the other one is the final proof of the assembled weapon followed by a large number which told you the month that it was accomplished.
What does the proof marks on the bolt mean ("S" inside a diamond and "31") ? ... This is the mark of one of the different 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class Controllers called Contrôleur de 1ème, 2ème y 3 ème Classe. The bolt had definetely been replaced as that is why there is line through the older number, they put the new number to match.
Since the floorplate has a different serial number, can it still be verified that it was made at Chatellerault since the serial number is proceeded by a "B" ? ... Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault (MAC) used the letters A, B, C, D, E, so it was made by MAC.
How many of these carbines were produced ? ... It is estimated that approximately 300,000 of this particular weapon was made at MAS from 1892 to March of 1915 and 375,000 at MAC from 1892 to April of 1917.
One other thing is the chargers you have in your album are not for the Berthier but for Austro-Hungarian Mannlicher 1895 weapons, see the post I linked you to see which ones you will need.
Patrick
