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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nHistorical Background of This Weapon<\/strong><\/h2>\n
It is impossible for me to recount the complete history of this weapon from the moment it left the factory until its arrival in Kabul. However, I will offer my modest contribution here and provide historians with access to this weapon through the photos below. It is up to them to deduce what they wish based on their knowledge of the manufacturer’s history, the specific weapon model, and the analysis of the various serial numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nIf an enlightened specialist has data on this weapon or its production series (factory release date, assigned regiment, etc.), I would be delighted to pass on this information by expanding this article or via a new one.<\/span><\/p>\n
The National Gendarmerie was deployed to Afghanistan as a force tasked with training and mentoring the Afghan National Police. I do not know under what exact circumstances a ceremonial or traditional weapon was purchased by or given to the Gendarmerie. However, a Lebel Model 1886 rifle happened to be hanging in the corridors of the Gendarmerie headquarters in Kabul. It is not impossible that this weapon was purchased from a shop in the Afghan market at the international Camp Warehouse in Kabul. Below are three photos from the only shop selling this type of product in 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\nYou may have noticed another Lebel 1886 on the wall in the first photo.<\/p>\n
Below, you will find photos of the one from the Gendarmerie command in Kabul.<\/span><\/p>\n
The receiver and action<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nWe saw in a previous article on the Model 1892 revolver the high quality of French manufacturing from this era. Here again, it is very easy to notice. We are far removed from modern manufacturing where everything is optimized, highly simplified parts are made by computer-controlled machines, and wood is replaced by molded plastic. We are in a different world here, where parts move from operation to operation, from the hands of one specialist to another.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\nLikely stemming from the influence of American firearms on the Old Continent, the Lebel 1886 is fed via a tubular magazine located under the barrel. Without realizing it at the time, the choices made then belonged to a passing era. Shortly after, the Mauser rifle would appear with its internal staggered-column box magazine, followed later by the Lee-Enfield rifle and its detachable staggered-column magazine. The French and British rifles used rimmed ammunition, while the Germans used rimless (grooved) ammunition. The future standard would be rimless ammunition.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe choice of this heavily tapered, rimmed cartridge would lock French small arms design of this period into a certain traditionalism until the 1940s. It is no easy task to modify a Lebel mechanism to adapt it to rimless ammunition. And why bother anyway, since its feeding principle was already obsolete?<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/gunsmithdesigner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/lebel-cartouche-2-300x202-1.jpg\")
View of the components of the 8mm Lebel ammunition.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nA modified version would later accept the 7.5mm x 54mm cartridge.<\/p>\n
The bolt<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\n\nThe shape of the bolt is very close to that of the Chassepot and the Gras. There is a clear family resemblance, a distinct lineage connecting the three parts. Was this a deliberate choice to reuse existing production tooling, to limit the training required for soldiers and factory workers, or simply resistance to change? This heritage would be carried over again to the Berthier rifle.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nIn a future article, currently being written, we will look at the lineages that exist throughout the history of French firearms between various models. This link does not only apply to long guns.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThe lock and trigger guard<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\nThe trigger and feeding mechanism is complete and in perfect condition. There is no trace of oxidation.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\nHere again, it cannot be said that the engineers cut corners on their research and resources. This mechanism is complex\u2014more so, in my opinion, than the American firearms that inspired it.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\nI cannot look at this assembly without asking myself this question: How did this complexity perform in the mud of the trenches of the First World War, in the sand of North Africa, or under the harsh conditions of the tropical forests of Asia and Central Africa? How can one imagine everything functioning properly with soil residue thrown up by bombardments or from dropping to the ground and crawling? How do you actually clean a mechanism like this? It is a true enigma.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\nWhat was the frequency of inspections by regimental armorers under the constraints mentioned above? Was the soldier authorized to separate the trigger mechanism from the receiver to properly clean and grease the parts? Not everyone is dexterous with their hands. How much time was dedicated to training the soldiers?<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/div>\nThe Sights<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The rear sight is made of steel. It is in beautiful condition.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThe front sight is also made of steel, mounted via a dovetail slot onto the barrel. The bayonet lug can also be seen.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe stock<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe stock is in two pieces. This might seem surprising, but it was an innovation that was criticized at the time. Some detractors felt it was more fragile, arguing that the stock would break more easily under heavy stress.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nThe wood is very sound. It is neither cracked nor rotted.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Handguard<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nThe forend is made of walnut. It is crafted from a single piece of wood.<\/p>\n
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