Original French Experimental Model 1895 Daudeteau Series S Indochina Trials Carbine Serial 180 - Missing Bolt Assembly

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a rare experimental Model 1895 Daudeteau Series S Indochina trials rifle, which is unfortunately missing the bolt, but is the first example of these that we have ever seen. These were one of many designs produced in the late 19th Century by French arms designer Louis Marie Daudeteau, who was as prolific as he was persistent. Born in 1845, he gained substantial military experience in the Franco-Prussian War, and afterwards turned to weapons design. He built a variety of different arms for military consideration, from magazine conversions of the Gras to machine guns, rapid-firing cannons, and self-loading rifles. Ultimately, however, he came closest to military acceptance with his 1891-1896 bolt action rifle.

While the bolt mechanism is similar to that of the Lebel and Berthier, Daudeteau’s rifle used a 5-round fixed magazine fed by stripper clips and had a simpler disassembly procedure, where pulling up on a knurled lever at the left rear allowed the bolt to be removed. While not as simple as the spring loaded Mauser style, it was still better than the French designs which required a screw to be removed. The rifle however controversially used a 6.5mm cartridge, similar to other designs by Daudeteau, which led to much debate over the effectiveness of a smaller bullet when compared to the 8mm Lebel. Daudeteau saw his round as vastly superior to the 8mm Lebel cartridge because of its flatter shooting, better terminal ballistics, and better penetration, however debate remained, much like there still is today regarding 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO cartridges.

The French Army rejected his rifle on a technicality, but the French Navy was interested enough to purchase several hundred for extended troop trials in Indochina in 1895/6, and this Particular Series S carbine is one of those trials guns, though as mentioned previously the bolt is no longer present. While undated, as these were only produced for the 1895-1896 trials, this carbine was manufactured prior to this, so it is considered a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF. These carbines were produced at the St. Denis Arsenal in France and have the correct markings on the left side of the receiver: L. F. A P. / St. Denis., with L. Daudeteau marked farther back on the receiver. There is an S in a Shield above the chamber over serial 180, with a coat of arms below. The right side has a ST CHAMOND marking over a cannon with P C around it.

The rifle has been cleaned and restored by our antique gunsmiths to put it in its best light, and it definitely looks great. The stock shows some past damage and wear from service, but no major damage like cracks or repairs. The metalwork still shows some of the original finish on the barrel and receiver, while the fittings have been polished bright from cleaning. We checked the bore, and it is actually in very good condition, mostly bright with crisp lands and grooves. Without a bolt we are unable to check for any type of functionality, though the rear sight is intact and fully functional. It still retained the brass tipped cleaning rod on the left side of the barrel, and both the rear sling swivel and the front carbine loop are present as well.

A very nice example of a rare French Trials carbine, ready to fill that space in your collection!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1894
Caliber: 6.5x53.5mmR French Daudeteau
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 41 1/2Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5-round magazine

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.