Another berthier from Vietnam

[burban89]

Here's another berthier that I have that came from a Vietnam vet. I purchased this berthier from the son of the vet since the vet had passed away prior to us meeting. The bolt head was missing and the stock had been cut in two places and crudely repaired on the wrist section. I pointed out the flaws in it and the son agreed that it wouldn't be worth a whole lot so we ended up settling at $60 for it. After I found a bolt head at Liberty Tree I cleaned up the surface rust and put some BLO on the stock. After that I secured the wrist repair with some two ton apoxy and did the same with the cut underneath the front sling swivel. Every part besides the bolt head is matching and from some investigation it turns out this little carbine's been around a while. It started out life as a model 1890 carbine and it still sports its original barrel from 1890. After that it went through every upgrade that a berthier could go through until it reached the point it's at now. I know I could never sell it as a Vietnam bring back but considering who I purchased it from it means a lot to me to have another rifle bring back from Vietnam seeing as how I only have three rifles from there.

[SmokinTurkey]

Interesting rifle! Definitely been there done that!

[nmcollektor]

Very cool.

If you're still in touch with the son and can get him to write a letter about the rifle's provenance - even though you have no official docs it would greatly increase the value, IMHO.

[burban89]

Very cool.

If you're still in touch with the son and can get him to write a letter about the rifle's provenance - even though you have no official docs it would greatly increase the value, IMHO.

I can give it a try but I haven't seen him before that sale and I haven't seen him since so it might have just been a one time thing. Either way if I did want to sell it I could just leave off the Vietnam aspect and sell it as is which should give me a little profit seeing as I'm only about $100 into it all in.

[S.B.]

Interesting, I like weapons with battle field history and this one certainly has that.
Steve

[vandle]

Just something to satisfy my ignorance.

Do these bring backs have any markings to show they were in service with the vietnamese?

They had a lot of French Capture in service during the conflict, how can you tell unless
you buy the firearm from the serviceman that brought it back?

I'm not questioning the authenticity of your rifle, just a general question for us nubes.

[gi jeaux]

I got one from the guy who brought it back and he tossed all of the paperwork so,.....all I got was the gun and the story.

Al

[Onikoroshi]

I’ve purchased supposed bringbacks from vets. Most rifles show the wear and patina but unfortunately, they usually also lose the papers for them.

But it’s always satisfying to talk to and listen to their stories of being in a war.