^Lot 655 French Model 16 Berthier Bolt Action Rifle

French Model 16 Berthier Bolt Action Rifle, #F27388, 8x50Rmm, 31.6" barrel, blued finish, hardwood stock set, front sight blade is missing. Equipped with folding leaf rear sight with slide jammed in place. Marked on left-side receiver "St. Etienne MLE M 16". Mismatched numbers on bolt handle and left-side buttstock. Door on the bottom of the magazine is pinned in place, and the rear sling swivel is bent. Condition overall is good with the metal retaining approx. 85% finish, with patina to the buttplate and areas of the bright bolt assembly. There is a spliced repair to the left-side forend. Wood is good showing applied finish over old dark stains and handling marks. Action operates smoothly, bore is dark with fair rifling that may clean better. No visible import marks. Est.: $500-$750. (C&R)