This is a rare example of a French M1917 semi automatic rifle in 8X50 Lebel caliber as manufactured by one of the French Arsenals, during WW II. These rifles are so very unique in that they were developed in the 1916-1918 period when most of the countries in the free world were just trying to equip their armies with a standard, front locking lug, bolt action rifle. Here the French developed a very unique semi automatic rifle that used three front locking lugs, with a "Rotating Bolt" system (similar to the front locking lugs found on the Canadian Ross straight pull rifles) which used a gas operated, semiautomatic mechanism to function the rifle. This system used a revolutionary concept in that the French installed a gas port on the bottom of the barrel to function a full length operating rod, mounted on the right side of the action to cycle the bolt. This design did not prove to be very robust and most were converted to a straight pull single shot rifle that were eventually sold or given to Colonial troops. This rifle has not been converted and still has the gas port or cylinder mounted to the bottom of the barrel and it still has a "Brass Gas Plug" installed. These rifles are usually marked on the sides of the receiver with the factory markings however this rifle is marked on the sides of the barrel which may indicate a late production rifle. The right side of the barrel at the breech is marked "MA T.1917" and the left side is marked with "A" and circled "B" proofs and the serial number "f26969" which matches the number on the cocking bar, forearm and stock. and magazine floor plate. Just ahead of the trigger guard is stamped "f 3032" with the first, third and last number double stamped and difficult to read. The rifle has a blue finish with trigger guard and trigger in the white. It has the original military style tangent rear sight, full length mannlicher stock with no upper handguard and a round steel pressed on bolt handle. The buttstock has a circular cartouche with the factory initials "MA" in the center with "OCTOBER 1917 CS" surrounding that. It is complete with the original black leather sling.

Arsenal refurbished with 98% of the aforementioned finish remaining. Wear is limited to the right side of the receiver and edge wear on the bolt bar. The upper sides of the magazine have small areas of flaking that is now a smooth brown patina. The wood is reoiled with a small non-professional fill-in repair on the right side of the stock and a small area where the finish is flaking near the buttplate, otherwise only a few minor handling marks. The sling is excellent. All markings and cartouche are crisp. Mechanically excellent.