Lebel Fusil Modele 1886

 

In the Great War the standard arm for the French in the early years was the 8mm Lebel rifle. When it was introduced in the late 19th Century, the Lebel was the most advanced military shoulder arm in general use. It was the first small bore, high velocity, smokeless powder, repeater to be accepted by a major power. But for combat use it had a major flaw, it was tube loaded. This was a slow process as the loader had to be careful loading the center fire cartridges to avoid an unfortunate explosive incident. A further complaint was made about the sight being both too short and too small for combat use. By 1914, the Lebel was out classed by most of the standard rifles of the major powers. The French Poilus took this in stride as they rose to the need to defend France from the invaders. Poor equipment would be a hinderance but would be overcome by the soldier's bravery and tenacity.

French Foreign Legionnaires armed with Lebel Fusil Model 1886 advance against the Germans in August 1914. These are metal 28mm pieces I painted for the "Great War" Centennial.