Riffle FN model 1915
This small, single-shot rifle, presumably chambered in
.22, belongs to a category of weapons known as "school" or "cadet" rifles,
referring to their educational purpose related to learning marksmanship. Its
barrel, clearly marked "Fabrique Nationales d’Armes de Guerre Herstal Belgique"
(National Arms Factory Herstal Belgium), unambiguously indicates its origin.
This renowned company, often abbreviated as FN, is extensively documented on the
website.
Markings:
In addition to the manufacturer's name mentioned above,
the rifle bears several typical Liège markings:
555: likely serial number.
ELG on a crowned oval star: final acceptance, in use
from 1893 to 1968.
Perron: inspection, in use from 1853 to the present
day. Inverted double Bs with stars: countermark of the inspector after 1877.
A similar weapon is well described on an internet
forum, see:
https://www.tircollection.com/t16867-fn-scolaire-ou-de-cadet
This forum emphasizes the relative rarity of the
weapon, without, however, justifying it.
It is likely that this carbine is a variant of the FN
Model 1912, a well-known weapon in .22, 6mm, and 9mm calibers.
The period manual specifies that it exists in a version
with a bayonet lug and in a version without a bayonet lug. The mounting system
is quite simple, consisting of a T-shaped spring-loaded plate attached to the
bayonet handle. The advertising manual presents two models:
- Model with bayonet and flip-up rear sight
- Model without bayonet and with a single rear sight
notch
Here, we have a hybrid model with a bayonet and a
single rear sight notch.
In conclusion, this small .22 caliber rifle (unless
otherwise indicated) was produced in Liège by FN. It was proofed after 1893,
according to the analysis of the proof marks. In all likelihood, it is derived
from the 1912 model.
Chris, PHL, Alain
