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Lefaucheux Double in 8mm lebel - Leopold Bernard

Hello Gentlemen,

I have recently acquired a Double Rifle in 8mm Lebel marked "Lefaucheux, 37 Rue Vivienne Paris". Barrels are marked "Leopold Bernard / Canonnier Paris" / 35683".

I'm trying to determine possible period of manufacture of this rifle as it seems to have many "very late" features for both of these names. Any help would be appreciated.

Description is:

A Boxlock Ejector Toplever Hammerless with dovetail lump barrels with a Greener style crossbolt.

Barrels have a full length rib with 2 folding rear sights. Action body has side clips, a Side safety, Double triggers, Scalloped action back, Splinter forend with a crossbolt release. The forend is hinged at the knuckle of the receiver and remains attached when the barrels are removed.

Pictures:

Rene Leclerc and Bertrand Germain Leopold Bernard (1832-1867) were barrel makers in Paris. Bernard's gun and barrel making factory ceased operation in 1890.
http://www.littlegun.info/arme%20francaise/artisans%20a%20b/a%20bernard%20leopold%20gb.htm
Are the barrels fluid steel?

Fixed it for you! You're hooked now!

The 37 Rue Vivienne Paris address was used by Casmir Lefaucheux as early as the 1830's. Eugene was in business until the 1890's.

A very nice gun.

Pete

Hello Drew Hause,

Yes, the barrels are fluid steel.

Based on what you say, Can I assume that this gun would have been made between 1886 (the year of the adoption of the 8mm Lebel cartridge by the French Military) and 1890? (the last year of Leopold Bernard) Would you expect, "ejectors" - "fences" - "fluid steel" - and "hammerless box-lock" as early as 1886?

These things are confusing to me.

Does it have ejectors? If so, what type. Is the number 1897 on any other components. Most interesting mechanics/components on the frame.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Hello ellenbr,

Yes, it has ejectors, but I don't know one type from another. Can you tell me what to look for? The number 1897 is only on the frame. (twice) No other numbers appear anywhere except for the number "35683" on the bottom of the rib between the barrels. (ender the forend)

I saw a few years ago "WildCattle" had mentioned that he had French a double rifle in 8mm Lebel also. I was hoping he might be of help with info on this one.

Well, maybe remove a bit of grease but it appears that the mechanics are in the frame? I may get tarred and feathered but I think the 1897 just might be the date. Is the safety on the right side of the frame?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Your gun was made in 1897 as indicated on the water table.
It was made by Henri Rieger, 37 rue Vivienne, who was the successor to Lefaucheux and owned the brand name as well as the old store.
The barrels are indeed Bernard who still was in business then.

I have it's brother (sister?). Mine is dated 1898.
A few years back, Holt's had a double shotgun dated 1901 based on the same action.

A few pictures...





Note the safety...







The cartridge is a battle field find.

The fixed forend takes some getting used to. It's quite tough to put the barrels back. The system is unique (in a French way...). I can't wait for you to take yours apart and document the innards.

Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to shoot mine yet.

I have some data on the history of Rieger. He had some tiff with Mrs Lefaucheux on the subject of the house name that he had licensed from her.

This site has a lot of info on that story.

Enjoy!
WC-

By the way the 35683 numbers I believe were from Bernard.
My barrels show 35321 on the bottom rib. There was a Guyot shotgun on the last RIA auction with Bernard barrels and a very similar number.
Best regards,
WC-