Original French Experimental Breechloading Lancers Carbine by St. Étienne with Military Museum Markings c. 1860-65 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.

Here we have a French Breech Loading Cavalry Carbine inscribed for the use of Lanciers (Lancers). It is in beautiful condition with lovely markings, and the lock plate still bears the original manufacture marking:

Mre. Imp’ale
de St. Étienne

This is the standard abbreviation for Manufacture Impériale de St. Étienne (Imperial Manufactory of St. Etienne), indicating manufacture at the arsenal at St. Étienne. It is also marked Dépôt Central (Central Depot) on the right side of the chamber and on the trigger guard. The clincher is on the top of the swing out barrel MUSEE DE LA CAV’IE in an oval, for the Cavalry Museum.

In addition there is a brass plaque on the right hand side of the butt marked :-

Modèle d’essai No7
Commission de Vincennes
Carabine de Lanciers
Calibre de 14.7

This translates to: “Test Model No.7, Commission de Vincennes, Lancers Carbine, Caliber 14.7mm”. So this was apparently one of several test models experimented with during the transition to breech loading firearms. One can definitely see that the lock is the standard French Back Action 1842 type, so they were working with what they had.

This experimental carbine features all iron mounts, except for Brass trigger guard Bow and sliding brass front stock mount. Upon pushing the nose cap forward it allows the barrel to swivel to the left pivoting to reveal a very nice rifled bore. Barrel length 18 1/2″ and measuring 35″ in overall length. Never seen anything like this before. Most likely a WWII bring back that has stayed in this remarkable collection ever since.

Ready to Display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1860-65
Caliber:  14.7mm
Ammunition Type: Paper Cartridge
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 56 inches
Action: Back Action
Feed System: Rotating Barrel

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