Initially designed in 1890 as a substitute for the 1886 Lebel for mounted/cavalry troops. The original model 1892 was designed as a three shot carbine that was loaded via a three round enbloc clip, it utilized the same magazine system as was used by Mannlicher rifle. Through its service life it would see many variations such as the model 1890 cavalry carbine, the 1892 artillery carbine, the 1907 rifle, and the 1907/15, which served heavily alongside the Lebel in World War One. The Berthier was chambered for the same 8x50mmR cartridge as the Lebel. It was found that during WW1 the three shot mechanism was not enough, in mid 1916 a new model was developed, the M16 which utilized a five round magazine. The new five shot M16 could still utilize the three shot enbloc clips. The M16 was introduced very late in the war and was not fielded in large numbers. It would go on to serve the French armed forces during the interwar as well as the early years of the Second World War before France was occupied. This examples receiver is marked “N” indicating it was updated to the ball N ammunition. This example is fixed with a first pattern model 1892 sword bayonet.