Original Remington Rolling Block 1915 – French Contract – 8mm Lebel (Balle N)

Original French-contract Remington Rolling Block, caliber 8×50R Lebel, s/n J682##.

This rifle originates from the French contract placed with Remington at the beginning of the Great War, as part of the emergency procurement program intended to supplement French military stocks and allow Lebel and Berthier rifles to be reserved primarily for combat units. Approximately 100,000 Rolling Block rifles were produced at Ilion for France in 1915-1916.

This example retains its original French military configuration and represents a particularly homogeneous assembly: matching J682## number on barrel and stock, caliber marking on the barrel, regulation Remington markings, manufacturing and inspection proofs including the oval RP, as well as the regulation bayonet lug.

Very fine overall condition. The barrel retains its period blued finish and, most notably, has a mirror-bright bore with sharp, deep rifling, consistent with a rifle that appears to have seen very limited use. The receiver retains its original dark/case-hardened finish. The original stock displays an attractive patina with handling and storage marks entirely consistent with the age of the rifle. Cleaning rod present, a reproduction faithful to the regulation pattern.

The rifle also bears the large French regulation N marking, corresponding to its adaptation for Balle N ammunition following its adoption in 1932. This period military modification forms an integral part of the rifle’s history and confirms that it remained within the French military system during the interwar period.

Its remarkable state of preservation, particularly the condition of the bore, is highly consistent with an example that saw limited use and spent a substantial part of its service life in reserve or arsenal storage. The exact date on which it was decommissioned and released from French military stocks remains unknown.

An original, homogeneous and unrestored French-contract Remington Rolling Block, particularly desirable for its matching barrel / stock number, well-preserved markings, regulation Balle N modification and, above all, its exceptional mirror-bright bore.

A rare and very fine example of the French Remington contract of the Great War, preserved in its period military configuration.