SOLD VERY RARE, WELL DOCUMENTED & PUBLISHED FRENCH MILITARY WWI REMINGTON MODEL 1914 ROLLING BLOCK RIFLE in 8mm LEBEL, WITH RARE BAYONET, IN EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION, FROM THE MERCALDO COLLECTION!

This rifle is from the lifetime collection of noted firearms historian and authorf Luke Mercaldo, and it was featured in his well know Reference book “Allied Rifle Contracts in America, 1914-1918″.  It was also published in the Remington Collectors Journal as well.  Along with the purchase of the rifle, you will receive a signed copy of the book, a notarized letter of authenticity from the author and a copy of the article that appeared in the Remington Journal.  I cannot recall any firearm that we have handled where the author/consignor was that thoughtful and generous to include all of that information, especially in such a concise format.  

In mint crisp absolutely better than museum grade condition, we have a very early production 1914 French Military Contract Remington Model 99 / Fusil Remington Modéle 1914, chambered in 8mm Lebel Balle “D”, plus the exceedingly rare Remington Rolling Block bayonet.  The condition of the rifle is mint from stem to stern, the bore is mint, and the finish is just stunning.  You will note the French applied serial number of “41” placed upon the butt; one can surmise that this rifle must have been in the very first shipment to arrive in France in early 1915.  I could say more but every minute and important detail is captured in the book.  This also comes with an original Remington Rolling block Bayonet still with the French Frog; try finding that!

Unlike most of the Berthier Rifles made by Remmington during the war, these Rolling Block Rifles did make it to France, where they were issued to second line troops and those serving in support roles that still needed to be armed in case of enemy action.  Even though this is a manually loaded single shot rifle, in the hands of a skilled operator it can put out a good volume of fire.  This rifle would have certainly seen use in the war in some capacity.  

There is today a huge interest in the firearms of the Great War and this is a wonderful opportunity to obtain one of the more obscure but none the less important French weapons from the very early and dramatic opening stages of that terrible maelstrom of destruction.  This is a perfectly packaged piece of history that will only increase in desirability and value as it is so well documented and of such a high state of preservation.  It will certainly add depth and gravitas to your collection.