ARD markings on a French Berthier

[indy1919a4]

Came across an old French Berthier that had some unusual markings on it. The rifle has all matching numbers. But it is obvious that the letters ARD was stamped on the rifle stock and then again on the receiver later after the rifle was marked with the serial number. Also other Berthiers are not marked like this. Does anyone know what ARD on later French Berthiers might mean.

 

[DocRock]

Arme Retournee a Depot (weapon returned to arsenal) perhaps?

 

[indy1919a4]

Arme Retournee a Depot (weapon returned to arsenal) perhaps?

Intriguing thought... Have you ever seen this stamp used before???

 

[DocRock]

Intriguing thought... Have you ever seen this stamp used before???

I have not. It was simply that as soon as I saw it, that came to mind. This chap in his below, Patrick Hernandez, apparently one of the premier collectors of French firearms in the US, is likely to know. Perhaps you can get in touch with him through the Forgotten Weapons dude.

https://www.forgottenweapons.com/french-rifle-markings-tutorial-with-patrick-hernandez/

I also found a reference to him being active on this site, which may also be helpful to you:

https://www.gunsnet.net/forumdisplay.php/90-French-amp-Italian-Rifle-Forum