My great great grandfather served in the French foreign legion in Algeria and was wondering if the lebel is what he probably would have been issued? The history i know is limited about him because the info is coming from my grandfather who was young when he talked about it so he may not be remembering correctly. He came to Canada in 1895 and was born in 1869 so I would guess around 1887 is when he joined. I like collecting old military rifles so i would like to have an example of something used in the family. If nobody is quite sure is there any books about that time period for French military that could help me out?
Lebel 1886?
- Thread starter Deerassassin
- Start date
I don't know exactly when the Legion received Lebels or when they were replaced with Berthiers but the Lebel was only just entering production in 1887 and not all that many were made the 1886/93 came out. I don't think the Legion would have been the first in line for Lebels anyways so I depending on the exact year I think it's more likely he used a Gras.
Try and find information and pictures of when and where the Legion served.
I would imagine the French Army on the French German border would get first choice on the Lebels and the quite colonies last.
The Legion should have a Museum, either in Metropolitan France or Corsica.
I would imagine the French Army on the French German border would get first choice on the Lebels and the quite colonies last.
The Legion should have a Museum, either in Metropolitan France or Corsica.
