Original Belgian M-1870 Comblain Infantry Falling Block Rifle dated 1884 - Serial 113228
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Original Item: One Only. Invented by Joseph-Hugo Comblain, a Belgian Gun designer from Liege, this is a single short falling block weapon of ingenious design. It was adopted by Belgium, Brazil and Chile, but was up against the British Martini Henry Rifle of even better design that dominated most of the 1870s. It is marked on the side of the receiver with:
COMBLAIN
BREVETÉ
113228
NC
Interestingly, it also has markings on the left side of the receiver, either from manufacturer, or maybe arsenal:
1884
SYNDICAT LIÈGEOIS
[DE]
ARMES DE GUERRE
10629
The top of the knoxform has the E / LG / * in an oval and 'Tower' proofs from Liège, the arms making center of Belgium.
The combain was described by W.W Greener in his 1871 book Modern Breechloaders: Sporting and Military (page 214):
This rifle is called No.2, to distinguish it from the first Comblain, which is a modification of the Snider principle. The Comblain no 2 has the vertical sliding block and guard lever of the Sharp rifle; but the arrangement for exploding the cartridge is different.The mechanism of the lock is fixed in the breech block, which consists of the ordinary main-spring acting upon a tumbler by a swivel. The tumbler and striker are made in one piece; the sear and trigger are also in one piece . By depressing the lever the breech block is brought down, the cartridge-case extracted and the rifle is cocked. A fresh cartridge being inserted, and the lever returned, the rifle is ready for firing.The hinge screw can be removed without the aid of a turnscrew, which arrangement allows the breech block and lock to be taken out for the purpose of cleaning.The breech arrangement is strong and simple. It is used by the Belgian volunteers, and has been severely tested both at Liege and Wimbledon.
This example bears serial number 113228, and is in very good condition. However, the receiver and barrel are both marked with number 4396 on the left side, which is found on the trigger and action components. This would probably be the assembly number for this particular rifle.
The exterior condition is good but does show wear and past pitting, which has made a lot of the markings faint. The stock also seems to have been sanded down significantly in various arsenal reconditioning runs. This may explain the large number of markings on the rifle.
The bore shows strong lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish. The rifle still comes with its original cleaning rod, which are often missing.
Hard to find and ready to display.
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: 11×50mm R Comblain
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 34 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2 Inches
Action type: Falling Block
Feed System: Single Shot
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