Item Description
Original item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of rare Imported Civil War rifle. Usually referred to as the "Brazilian Contract Light Minié Rifle", research has shown that these are more correctly called the "Brazilian Model 1855 Naval Rifle". These were essentially a Belgian made percussion rifle very similar to the British P-1856 two band Enfield rifle, made utilizing the Belgian Minié ball rifled system. Approximately 6,000 of these rifles were imported by Herman Boker and sold in New York City in early 1861. The States of New York and Ohio purchased many of these, though we unfortunately cannot find any state markings on this rifle.
The gun features two barrel bands of French/Belgian style, with an overall length of 48 inches and a 32 inch long rifled barrel. These scheduled to be sold to Brazil, however these ended up usurped by Herman Boker, which took ALL of the almost 6,000 units to sell to various states in the union.
These were all made by O.P. Drissen & Cie of Liège, and the (Anchor) D C marking of this firm is seen on virtually all parts of the gun. It is also marked with the "Perron" Tower of Liège by the cap bolster, and the E / L G / * in an Oval Liège proof mark on the other side of the breech. There is a brass American Spread Eagle escutcheon behind the barrel tang which was a feature of this model. Though most were later removed, this example still retains the escutcheon making it quite rare and even more collectible. The right hand side of the stock bears an inspection cartouche that we are unfortunately unable to identify. The serial number on these were marked on the bayonet mounting lug, and this example is marked with 3171.
Condition of the rifle is very good, showing only light wear from service, and the original finish is very well retained. The stock shows the expected dents and dings from service, and looks to have been lightly varnished at some point. There is a bit of the stock missing near the bolster due to powder burn. We checked the bore, and the four groove rifling is still clear, though it is overall worn. The bore measures about .61, so it may have been bored out a bit, as is often seen on these rifles. The lock functions, currently will not hold at half cock. The nipple cone is in very good condition, possibly replaced during service.
In very fine condition, showing little use. These are extremely rare despite 6,000 units having been purchased. Ready to research and display!
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: circa 1861
Caliber: .61"
Cartridge Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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