My first foray into French arms. It isn't pretty, but at $250, not a lot was risked. It appears to be fully functional, tight, matching, and the bore is very decent.
Other than being able to follow the upgrade history of this old Tulle arsenal rifle in 8X50mmR, once in 1893 and the conversion to a carbine in the late 1930's, I know very little. With sketchy total numbers ranging from 10-50,000 conversions, the R35 tube-fed magazine carbines were issued to mounted colonial troops in North Africa, and some to second tier and military support roles for the French homeland. Most were confiscated by the Germans, but a few were reported to be used by the French Resistance.
As I am second in line behind the collector who bought it from the Veteran of Hudson, MA who passed in 2010, I have no direct back story, and only a photocopied document with little details. But as the gun is not import marked, it could well be the one described in the certificate.
The Veteran served as an interpreter for the Allied Occupation Forces in France and Germany. He later became an avid collector and world renowned expert on home cinematography. He also spent much time on Monhegan Island in Maine. More can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/metrowestdailynews/obituary.aspx?n=alan-d-kattelle&pid=147076916
So, some pics, and enjoy!
Other than being able to follow the upgrade history of this old Tulle arsenal rifle in 8X50mmR, once in 1893 and the conversion to a carbine in the late 1930's, I know very little. With sketchy total numbers ranging from 10-50,000 conversions, the R35 tube-fed magazine carbines were issued to mounted colonial troops in North Africa, and some to second tier and military support roles for the French homeland. Most were confiscated by the Germans, but a few were reported to be used by the French Resistance.
As I am second in line behind the collector who bought it from the Veteran of Hudson, MA who passed in 2010, I have no direct back story, and only a photocopied document with little details. But as the gun is not import marked, it could well be the one described in the certificate.
The Veteran served as an interpreter for the Allied Occupation Forces in France and Germany. He later became an avid collector and world renowned expert on home cinematography. He also spent much time on Monhegan Island in Maine. More can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/metrowestdailynews/obituary.aspx?n=alan-d-kattelle&pid=147076916
So, some pics, and enjoy!
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