{"product_id":"original-belgian-flobert-8mm-rolling-block-military-cadet-training-rifle-with-figured-stock-circa-1895","title":"Original Belgian Flobert 8mm Rolling Block Military Cadet Training Rifle with Figured Stock - Circa 1895","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. A gallery gun, Flobert gun, parlor gun or saloon gun is a type of firearm originally 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShooting galleries were however not the only place where a subcaliber low powered rifle were popular, and many of these were also made for Military Cadet training, and would have the form of scaled down military rifles, with full stocks, sling swivels, and the usual form of a military rifle. This is a beautiful Belgian 8mm Flobert Military Training rifle for cadets, utilizing a type of rolling block action to fire relatively low powered rimfire ammunition. Unlike the \"parlor\" versions, it does have a separate breech block and hammer, as well as an ejector to remove spent cartridges. It features a fully rifled barrel with an octagonal breech area, and a full length stock which goes almost to the muzzle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock is held in place with three iron barrel bands, and the trigger guard is also of iron. We can see that it had a butt plate at one point, however it was removed and the screw holes filled for some reason. The stock is made from lovely \"flame figured\" wood, probably walnut, and definitely looks to have been refinished and lightly varnished since its time in service. We can also see signs of past modifications to the stock around the barrel bands, which look to originally have had pins in front of them, but now have pins directly through them. There is also some wood missing by the cleaning rod channel above the lower barrel band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no maker markings, however the left side of the barrel is heavily marked with Belgian Markings, including \u003cstrong\u003eE \/ L G \/ *\u003c\/strong\u003e in a \u003cstrong\u003e\"Crowned\" oval\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium after 1891. This proof had been introduced for exported arms to comply with new proof laws in Germany. There are also various single letter inspector proofs such as \u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ R\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e★ \/ L\u003c\/strong\u003e, as well as the \u003cstrong\u003e\"Perron\"\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eTower of Liège\u003c\/strong\u003e proof. It is also marked \u003cstrong\u003eFL.8m.1.L\u003c\/strong\u003e, most likely indicating the type of ammunition it was made for, a marking we have seen before. The left side of the barrel is also stamped with \u003cstrong\u003e26\u003c\/strong\u003e, which matches the number stamped under the trigger guard, so this is probably the serial number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is very nice, still showing lots of the original bluing in the barrel, with the other hardware showing light wear. We checked the bore, and the bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There are a few areas of past oxidation and fouling, but nothing major. The action works well, though it is a bit stiff, and the firing pin moves freely. The original cleaning rod is still present under the barrel, and removes easily. Both sling swivels are still present and move easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiminutive but ideal for a young Cadet, and we have only really seen one of these previously. Just charming, but still a very rare Military Cadet Rifle ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1895\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 8mm\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 28 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 42 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Percussion Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45036346703941,"sku":"ONJR26MABS108","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/E556A165-2950-4976-8F89-C44E1169E581.jpg?v=1780051425","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-flobert-8mm-rolling-block-military-cadet-training-rifle-with-figured-stock-circa-1895","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}