Lebel Model 1907 15 Bolt Action Rifle

In the rush to prepare war stockpiles, older tubular magazine Lebel and Berthier box magazine arms were altered to chamber newer, more powerful, smokeless ammunition.

Circa 1915 French Model 1907/ 1915 Bolt-Action Box-Magazine Rifle (repeater/ breech-loading/ smokeless powder/ cartridge ammunition) The Lebel Rifle of 1886 was the first to use the new smokeless powder that had been developed by Frenchman M. Vielle. Featuring a necked-down cartridge, the basic rifle continued in service through two World Wars. By the time its descendent, the Model 1907/ 1915 went into production, a three-shot 8mm clip had been adopted.

During World War I, British and French forces, primarily, faced German troops on what was called The Western Front," which stretched across northern France. The United States entered the war in 1917 at a time when trench warfare had exhausted both sides. Fresh U.S. troops helped turn the tide of battle, while at home, industry swung into action as its robust nature turned bullish." --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #122