Foreign Legion in the Sahara

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... I am wondering if there are examples of the French arms used in the late 19th into early years of 20th c. out there in collections. I know that French saber blades were often used in the sabers of Mali, as well as some takouba (termed aljinar if blade is curved).

It seems that the Chassepot rifles as well as Gras (models 1866,1874.1876) were used, and in some cases I have seen examples of the distinctive Mauser broomhandle semi automatic pistol were used. The sword types used I am not sure of.

Jim, in case you still have space in your book mobile, for a few bucks you could acquire this publication; arms (i think only guns) used by the Legion from its begining in 1831 .

https://www.forties-factory.com/libr...377830565.html

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

Jim, in case you still have space in your book mobile, for a few bucks you could acquire this publication; arms (i think only guns) used by the Legion from its begining in 1831 .

https://www.forties-factory.com/libr...377830565.html

Thank you Fernando for the heads up! I'll check it out. The bookmobile is definitely straining as it seems the stream of incoming books never stops

[Jim McDougall]

Thanks David for the pics of Fort Tazzougerte!
Here are pics of the 1939 movie "Beau Geste" of Wren's Fort Zinderneuf (probably from the city of Zinder in Niger).
Seems like the movie prop guys did a pretty fair job of approximating the 'geste' of it!! sorry.