This is one of the most attractive of the percussion rifles used during the American Civil War. The Brazilian Light Minié Rifle, manufactured by the O.P. Drissen company of Liège, was a unique combination of the features found on the British Enfield short rifles and the French Light Minié rifle.

The barrel measures 32” long. The breech area of the rifle shows some light flash pitting, with the balance of the gun metal being almost entirely smooth. The oval “E / LG / *” Liège proof mark is visible on the left flat and the “D / [anchor] / C” stamp visible on the tang. The complete long-range rear sight has a flip up leaf graduated to 500 yards. The muzzle end of the barrel features a simple blade sight on top and a 3 ½” long saber bayonet lug on the right side. This lug in numbered “2235”.  The bore of the rifle is in nice condition with some scattered areas of dirt and darkness along its length. The bore retains very crisp rifling throughout.

The gun has the O.P. Drissen maker mark of a “D [anchor] C” on nearly every part of the gun. This stamp is visible on the barrel breech, lock, hammer, butt plate, barrel bands, trigger guard, ramrod, and stock.

The lock plate and hammer resemble that of an Enfield. The only mark being the Drissen anchor. The mechanics remain very crisp and strong. The rifle retains both of its original sling swivels, one on the toe of the stock and one on the lower barrel band. The correct original cupped-head ramrod is present in the channel under the barrel. The rod is full length and retains good threads on its end. The rod shank is clearly marked with the expected Drissen anchor. All gun metal has a very dark plum brown patina over most of its surfaces.  The trigger guard and butt plate are brass and exhibit a lovely golden tone that is very attractive.

The stock is in good condition and has a lovely dark brown color, with a reddish undertone. The stock appears to be untouched and uncleaned. The stock has the expected scattered bumps, dings and bruises from use. There are several tiny cracks: one fine crack on the right side runs from the bottom of the lock plate toward the trigger, and three parallel hairline cracks on the left flat opposite the lock plate that run  from the breech through the rear lock screw. There are two stamps found on the stock: the Drissen anchor is found directly behind the barrel breech tang, and an oval with non-descript marks is on the right cheek of the shoulder stock.

Also found on the wrist of the stock is a brass shield with the classic eagle boldly emblazoned on it. The shield is mounted with three brass screws. Guns imported by US purchasing agents are readily identifiable by this brass shield.

The accompanying saber bayonet measures nearly 28 ½” long and bears the number “2235” on the end of the grip, exactly matching the number on the barrel lug. The grip is of cast brass while the blade and cross guard are iron. The same Drissen anchor mark appears on the right side of the guard and ricasso. The left side ricasso has the maker’s stamp “S&K” (SCHNITZLER & KIRSCHBAUM of Solingen, Gemany).

The general consensus is that the US Government purchased around 6,000 of these rifles. There are images of Civil War troops with these guns. A photo of three US Engineers with these rifles and saber bayonets even shows the brass US Eagle wrist shields. Occasionally, these guns show up with state of Ohio ownership marks.  Overall this is a really nice example of an imported (and matched) rifle/saber bayonet set, used mostly by US troops in the Western Theater.   [jet]

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