Over the past two weeks, I've had the privilege to do archival research in the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa for a college project.

The subject which my study group focused on was Lou Henry Hoover, a fantastic woman and the husband of US President Herbert Hoover.
What had gotten our attention about her was that she had a collection of weapons that she had procured during her travels overseas with Bert.

She had a fairly large collection, but unfortunately, most of the weapons are lost. However, the museum did have a small handful of knives, swords, and guns, including this French Berthier Mle 1907/15 rifle, manufactured by the MAS company, and chambered in 8mm Lebel (8x50mm rimmed).

Yes, this is in fact, one of Lou Henry Hoover's personal firearms.

I got to inspect the rifle, take photos, and even hold it. The rifle was beautiful in its old age, and on the whole, the experience with the museum was simply wonderful.