Original French Modèle 1853/1869 17.55mm Tabatière Brass Breech Loading Conversion Rifle by St. Étienne - Dated 1855

Original Item: Only One Available. The U.S. Civil War was a time for invention: hundreds of new better types of firearms were developed. In addition conversions of older weapons to work with new technology resulted in many brilliant ideas. The Americans, the British, and many other countries throughout Europe took full advantage of these changes.

The British, with a large Empire to protect, developed the SNIDER Breech loading Rifle, although Jacob Snider was an American. The French developed the "Tabatière Rifle", called that because the new breech resembled a "Snuff Box" (tabatière literally means "snuff" in French). The Tabatiere breech loading system was first designed in 1857. It was adopted in 1864 but conversions were slow to start.

At the same time, the French flirted with the Chassepot Needle Fire Model of 1866. By 1870, the Tabatiere was considered inferior to the Chassepot and was abandoned. The French had converted 358,000 Rifled Muskets from Percussion to breech loading, leaving an amazing 1.4 Million in their original percussion state. In the 1880s the French Government disposed of most all of their Tabatiere Rifles, mostly to Belgium for conversion into half stocked 12 gauge shotguns for the African Native trade in the Belgian Congo. Original military Tabatiere Rifles are very rare and command serious prices.

Most of the Tabatiere Rifles were converted from the 1853-7 French back action Minié Percussion Rifle and were designated the Model of 1853/1869. A much smaller quantity were converted from the original French Modele 1822 Flintlock smooth bore muskets, which had been converted themselves into percussion in the 1840s, and had been fitted with RIFLED Barrels.

What we offer here is the French Model 1853 BACK ACTION Percussion Rifle that was then transformed to the TABATIERE RIFLE using a BRASS Breech system and not the usual steel breech system. It was originally produced in 1855, most likely as a smoothbore musket, however in 1857 almost all Modèle 1853 rifles were recalled and rifled. There is a an R in a Shield proof mark at the top, and the lock plate still bears the original markings, which are easily legible:

M're Imp'ale
de St. Étienne

This indicates that the rifle was originally Manufactured at the Imperial arsenal at St. Étienne as a back action Minié rifle. The MI marked "Holy Water Plug" on the right side of the stock present, and as a rarity the cartouche around it is still visible as well, indicating manufacture in DECEMBRE 1855. There are some other markings on the left side of the stock, and the breech block is marked on the underside with 1545.

The metalwork is in great shape, with the bright finish faded to a lovely lightly oxidized patina, showing no major rust issues. It is fitted with flip rear sight marked 200 on the short leaf, and 400 and 600 on the long leaf, which we assume is for meters. Both sling swivels are present, though a bit stiff, and there is a cleaning rod / ramrod present, and it looks correct for an M1853 rifle, except it may be for the shorter 2 band version.

We checked the breech, and it opens correctly, with the ejector actuated by pulling the block back. The firing pin moves correctly as well. We checked the lock action, and it is still strong, though does not appear to have a half cock position, or it may be that it can no longer travel forward enough to have one. We checked the bore, and it is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with the four groove rifling still clearly visible. There is no major oxidation or past fouling evident. The stock wood is very good, and has a great patina, though there are a good amount of small dents and dings. IT does not show any signs of having been reconditioned, which is why the markings are still crisp.

The missing link in French arms development. Just gorgeous! Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: 1855 - converted circa 1869
Caliber: 17.55mm
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 40 3/4 inches
Overall Length: 57 7/8 inches
Action: Side Action
Feed System: Single Shot hinged Breech block.

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