Original 19th Century French Minié-Cordier Percussion Training Rifle – circa 1860 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of a French Minié-Cordier Percussion Training Rifle, as used during the 1860’s. These were intended to teach young fresh recruits to overcome their fear of of the detonating percussion cap when discharging the standard French Infantry Rifle. For months these recruits drilled with these Minié-Cordier training rifles that moved the nipple placement from directly new the right eye to half way up the barrel. The hammer was attached to a long rod which in turn struck the percussion nipple once the rifle’s trigger was pulled. The resulting explosion being well displaced from the recruits face soon taught the boy soldier that the nipple explosion was nothing to worry about.

The rifle itself was designed by Claude Minié, the original designer of the popular Minié ball, used in percussion rifled muskets worldwide. They were then manufactured by Cordier and Cie, as indicated by the C . C marking in an oval, which is behind serial number 85. The company existed in Paris, France, from 1850 to 1870. This particular design was patented by Cordier in England, No. 1051, on 11 April 1862, so they were not just used by French forces.

An extremely nice example in just wonderful condition, it would be a great credit to any Collection of Civil War Era Rifles, Ready to display!

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: about 12mm
Cartridge Type: Shot and Powder with Cap
Barrel Length: 16 Inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2 Inches
Action type: Percussion Lock with Push Rod
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.