Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very unusual rifle to find on today's market, and this example is unlike any that we have had before! The Albini rifle (or Albini-Braendlin rifle) was a single-shot rifle with an action designed by an Italian officer Augusto Albini and was perfected by an English gunsmith, Francis Braendlin. The design was adopted by Belgium in 1867, however it was also used by Italy, Australia, Japan, and Russia in various configurations. As with the Snider and U.S. Trapdoor system, it could be used to convert percussion rifles to a breech loading system, and it was also used to make purpose built rifles.

This particular example was made in Britain, and was most likely not made as a conversion, as the lock plate is not the correct shape for a P-1853 conversion, though it was doubtless made using Enfield parts. The lock is marked 1870 / TOWER at the bottom front of the lock plate, which is far too late for an original P-1853 lock, and it is marked with a QUEEN'S CROWN / V.R. to the rear of the hammer, indicating military issue. This may be that it was part of some British military contract, before being sold out of service to Japan.

The top of the breech block has the correct patent markings:-

ALBINI-BRAENDLIN
PATENT

We also noted Birmingham CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks on both the rear of the receiver and the breech block. Between these however is a Japanese 本 (Hon) marking in a circle, which is for the main Imperial Japanese Army Arsenal. More importantly, there is a fully intact Chrysanthemum Crest in front of the breech mechanism, indicating it is owned by the Emperor of Japan. These were supposed to be defaced prior to capture or sale outside the empire, however this rifle escaped that!

The barrel also bears British Proof Marks, which are still relatively clear. They are the correct Birmingham proof marks, including the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. There are also two CROWN / BP definitive proofs, and a 25 marking, indicating "25 bore" or about .571". The right side of the breech block is marked with serial number 17038, while the right side of the barrel is marked with shortened number 38. The only other marking we were able to recognize is a green painted 一 五 on the right side of the butt stock, the Japanese numerals Ichi (1) and Go (5).

Functionally, the rifle works well, though the action is incomplete. There should be a linkage from the hammer into the rear of the receiver, which is attached to a rod that moves forward to both strike the end of the firing pin and lock the breech closed. This is unfortunately completely missing, with just an empty connector on the end of the hammer. The lock is still functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, and the breech block itself has a functioning spring loaded firing pin and ejector. The spring loaded ball that latches to a detent on the rear of the block is also present and functional. We checked the bore, and it is very good condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is definitely some overall wear from use, and the edges of the lands are a bit worn, so it did see some use while in service.

The exterior of the rifle shows a lovely aged peppery patina on the metalwork, with some areas of the original finish still present. The markings have been highlighted in white to make them easier to see. The rear sight is present, but does look to have been repaired. The barrel is fitted with a bayonet lug, though we do not know what type of bayonet it would take, and both sling swivels are still present and move easily. There is a cleaning rod under the barrel as well. The stock has a lovely look to it, having been finished long ago, probably in Japan, as the green marking are on top of the finish. It has a lovely dark red brown color, showing the expected wear and damage from use.

A lovely example of a very hard to find British Rifle used by the Imperial Japanese Army. We have never had one like this before, and do not expect to have another anytime soon!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1870
Caliber: .577 Snider
Ammunition Type: Centerfire cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 1/2 inches 
Overall Length: 48 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Trapdoor Breech

The Albini rifle (or Albini-Braendlin rifle) was a single-shot 11mm rifle adopted by Belgium in 1867. The action on the Albini rifle was designed by an Italian officer Augusto Albini and was perfected by an English gunsmith, Francis Braendlin. Initially, there were delays and problems with its delivery as the rifle seemed to have extractor issues and the Terssen rifle was adopted as a temporary measure. But once the problem was fixed and the availability of Albinis increased, Terssens were eventually withdrawn from service. The Albini rifles themselves were eventually replaced by M1870 Belgian Comblain rifles beginning in the 1870s.

The rifle has a front-hinged, forward lifting action with a mechanism that works together with the hammer-striker assembly to simultaneously lock and fire the rifle. The breech block itself houses longitudinal spring-loaded firing pin which is struck by a cylindrical striker, the back end of which is attached to the hammer via a screw through the hammer nose, and which passes longitudinally through the rear of the receiver behind the firing pin. When fired, the striker moves into the back of the breech block striking the firing pin and locking the block in place at ignition. Both striker and firing pin move in the same line as the rifle bore. Pulling the hammer back withdraws the striker from the breech block allowing it to be lifted on its pivot pin by means of a small fixed knob on the right side of the block.

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.