c1860 mfr. FRENCH Antique MINIÉ-CORDIER .54 Caliber Percussion Rifle UNIQUE Proof of Concept for an Effective Shorter Barrel

Product Description

c1860 mfr. FRENCH Antique MINIÉ-CORDIER .54 Caliber Percussion Rifle UNIQUE

Proof of Concept for an Effective Shorter Barrel

Here we present an antique French Minié-Cordier Percussion Rifle, manufactured by Cordier & Cie circa the early 1860s in Paris, France. Captain Claude Etienne-Minié (1804-1879) was a French military officer with combat experience with the Chasseurs in Africa. However, he remains better known for his invention of the “Minié” ball, a hollow-based conical made to expand to fit the rifling grooves in rifled bores, a precursor to modern bullets. This technology was very quickly utilized by Great Britain as well as the US and other nations looking to be on the cutting edge, and the Minié ball was the primary munition of the American Civil War, though many smoothbore muskets and round balls were still being used.

As a result of the far superior ballistics from his invention, Minié believed that barrel length could be dramatically shortened while maintaining enough velocity to remain effective at reasonable distances. This rifle was an attempt at a proof of concept. While the overall length of this rifle is not much shorter than standard musketry of the period, the barrel is only about 16 ¼” in length. Certain adaptations were made as a result, such as the lock pushing the long rod that rides alongside of the right side of the stock that actually contacts the percussion nipple for detonation and firing of the weapon. Whether it was the intention or not, this placed the detonation of the percussion cap a greater distance away from the shooter’s face, which may have been seen as advantageous, especially for training new troops. These are numbered and observed examples are under 1,000. Cordier & Cie made these in Paris, France. The company was in operation circa 1850 to 1870.

The overall condition is good. Patina throughout. The action is excellent. The bore is in good condition with sharp rifling. The stock is solid and showing use. A scarce and unique French rifle designed by a big name in Firearms History!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 16-1/4 inches.

Caliber: .54 Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$2200
#247438