Original Item: Only One Available. This is a particularly handsome Belgian 9mm Flobert parlor target rifle signed G. MARIETTE, most likely for Guillaume Mariette of the Liège gunmaking trade. Dating to approximately the third quarter of the 19th century, it combines a substantial 23" smoothbore barrel with an unusual pivoting breech mechanism, extractor, finely figured walnut half stock, checkered wrist, relief carving, and tasteful foliate engraving. Far more elaborate than the simple utilitarian Flobert rifles commonly encountered, this example has the appearance of a high grade sporting or target arm built for recreational shooting in a private gallery or shooting parlor.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Flobert firearms take their name from French inventor Louis-Nicolas Flobert, who in the mid 1840s developed one of the earliest self-contained rimfire cartridges by fitting a small lead projectile directly into a percussion cap. The original small caliber Flobert cartridge relied entirely on the priming compound for propulsion and was ideally suited to short range indoor target shooting. Larger Flobert cartridges and more substantial rifles soon followed, helping establish an entire European tradition of parlor, gallery, and salon shooting.

This example is chambered for approximately 9mm Flobert, one of the larger calibers encountered in these European gallery arms. It measures approximately 38 5/8" overall and is fitted with a 23" smoothbore barrel.

The only visible maker or retailer marking is located on the right side of the barrel:

G. MARIETTE

The name is strongly associated with the Mariette family of Liège arms makers. Guillaume Mariette of Cheratte, near Liège, was an inventive 19th century gunmaker who patented numerous firearm mechanisms and is documented with Flobert pattern parlor pistols and other small caliber gallery arms. Because several members of the Mariette family worked in the Liège gun trade, we would stop short of identifying the signer absolutely without additional proof marks or patent markings, but Guillaume Mariette is the most likely attribution.

The action is particularly interesting. Rather than using the extremely simple exposed hammer breech arrangement seen on many early Flobert rifles, this example has a separate pivoting breechblock immediately behind the chamber, with the hammer positioned behind it.

Opening the breech also actuates an extractor beneath the barrel to lift the fired cartridge from the chamber. More sophisticated locking breeches of this general type represented an evolution beyond Flobert's earliest parlor gun actions and were especially useful on larger caliber arms such as this 9mm example.

The system bears some visual resemblance to a miniature rolling breech action, but it is better described as a separate pivoting or swinging breechblock rather than a true Remington Rolling Block action.

The rifle is especially attractive for the quality of its stock and decorative work. It is fitted with a finely figured walnut half stock displaying excellent grain and a high degree of chatoyancy. The wrist is strongly checkered to provide a secure grip, while the forward portion of the stock terminates in a carved treatment around the nose.

The top of the barrel breech and the action tang carry tasteful foliate engraving, with additional decorative work on the upper left and right barrel facets adjacent to the breech. The restrained ornamentation gives the rifle considerably more visual appeal than the plain Flobert gallery rifles commonly encountered.

The octagonal barrel retains conventional open sights suitable for short range target shooting.

Overall condition is very good. The metal surfaces have developed a pleasing aged gray and brown patina with only scattered light peppering from old oxidation. We do not see major heavy pitting or other significant corrosion.

The walnut stock likewise remains in very good condition. It shows light to moderate dents, scratches, and handling wear from age and use, but presents extremely well and retains the striking figure that is one of the strongest aesthetic features of the rifle.

The action remains mechanically responsive during manual inspection, but there are several important mechanical deficiencies.

The hammer will release from both full cock and half cock. The half cock position therefore does not function as a secure safety notch.

In addition, the lower locking projection or lug associated with the pivoting breech has broken away. This component would originally have interfaced with the hammer or action mechanism to help retain the breech securely in the closed position.

The firing pin is completely missing. Consequently, although portions of the lock and breech mechanism still move, the rifle is not mechanically complete and cannot function as originally designed.

These observations describe only the present condition of the mechanism and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the rifle is safe to load or fire.

With its large 9mm Flobert chambering, unusual pivoting breech and extractor system, G. MARIETTE signature, finely figured and checkered walnut half stock, tasteful engraving, and excellent overall presentation, this is a particularly attractive example of the sophisticated European parlor shooting tradition. Its mechanical deficiencies are clearly evident, but as a display piece it offers considerably more character and craftsmanship than the basic Flobert rifles ordinarily encountered. It would be an excellent addition to a collection of Belgian firearms, early rimfire arms, gallery and parlor rifles, or unusual 19th century target shooting equipment.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: .9mm
Ammunition Type: "Flobert" Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 23 inches
Overall Length: 38 5/8 inches
Action: Rolling "Block" Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

A gallery gun, Flobert gun, parlor gun or saloon gun is a type of firearm designed for recreational indoor target shooting. At the time, as strange as it might seem today, indoor shooting at home or in a shooting parlor was relatively common. Special small caliber low propellant load rifles and pistols were designed, some were even suitable for shooting at home. These guns were first developed in 1845, when French inventor Louis-Nicolas Flobert created the first rimfire metallic cartridge by modifying a percussion cap to hold a small lead bullet. The design was later improved to make larger cartridges, but the original smaller designs continued to be use for target practice. In the 19th century, gallery guns were typically pump-action rifles chambered in .22 Short.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.

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. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.