Original French Charleville Musket Converted to Experimental Breech Loading Pinfire Carbine c.1822 / 1860 Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This came to us recently from a private Military Museum, amassed after WWII. We can barely imagine where this old boy acquired so many virtually unique forearms in just wonderful condition.

This is very RARE, perhaps one of a few TRIALS Pieces dating perhaps to the late 1850’s or early 1860’s. This appears to have started life as a Flintlock Charleville Musket, but may also just have been assembled from Flintlock parts. The lock markings are very faint but appear to be Châtellerault or Charleville, both possible for this type of flintlock. It was then converted or built into some type of early pinfire saddle ring cavalry carbine.

The breech loading system is a Trap door style, with the chamber inside the breach block, which when opened reveals the Pin Fire cartridge chamber showing the “PIN” hole on the top side rear. The opening catch finger is operated on the left side of the breach. Percussion style hammer leaning over to ignite the Pin Fire cartridge when the trigger is depressed.

This Carbine/Short Rifle is fitted with a long saddle bar and sliding ring on the left side of action. Also features all Brass mounts of Butt Plate, side plate, trigger guard and nose cap. Smooth bored, complete with shortened steel ramrod.

There is cracking in the stock around the “receiver” area, which also has some repairs. The large amount of wood removed to make room for the pinfire receiver obviously weakened the stock substantially, possibly why these were never put into any type of large scale production. Otherwise the carbine is in wonderful Museum Condition.

Extremely rare, from an old breach loader Collection. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1822 – converted circa 1860
Caliber: 0.71″
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 inches
Overall Length: 47 inches
Action: Side Action
Feed System: Trapdoor Breech Block

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