This rare Civil War rifled musket is a percussion, two-band, .577 caliber, muzzleloader. Manufactured in Liege, Belgium for the Brazilian government early in the Civil War, some 6.000 weapons of this type were purchased by US agents in late 1861 to accommodate the US Ordnance Department's need for longarms. Know as the 'Minie rifle of Leige pattern', most of these type muskets were issued to the State of Ohio in 1861 and saw service with Ohio soldiers throughout the war. The shorter weapon features a black walnut full-stock fitted with mostly brass furniture, save for the two barrel bands that are of iron. With an overall length of some 48", the weapon has an Enfield-type, case hardened lockplate with a nipple bolster similar to that used on the M1861 Springfield. The weapon is missing its rear sight and one sling swivel in the bottom of the stock, else complete. Also features a brass butt plate and triggerguard stamped with Leige proof marks.

Barrel exhibits much of its original bluing that has turned to a pleasing dark plum coloring. This barrel is factory fitted with a lug and slide device to take a Schnitzler & Kirshbaum sword bayonet. Serial number "2588" clearly stamped on the lug head. Other stampings on the weapon included the 'anchor flanked with letter "D" and "G" which can be seen on the lo0ckplate, barrel, barrel bands, stock, and triggerguard. This Brazilian rifle, issued to the State of Ohio troops, has a brass shield device screwed to the stock directly behind the barrel tang. The curved shield measures 7/8" high x ¾" wide and shows an embossed spreadwinged eagle looking to his right. In addition to the 'anchor stampings, the walnut stock exhibits various markings that appear as a series of stamped circular tooling marks on both sides of the stock. Barrel secured to the stock with two iron shouldered barrel bands with the top or upper band being double strapped. All gunmetal exhibits a smooth hard patina but the barrel breech and tag shows much pitting and scuffing. Mechanics very strong and crisp. The rifle's three-grooved bore is very good with scattered surface grime and pitting. Would clean up nicely. The bayonet lug is found on the right side of the muzzle. Original, straight-shank iron ramrod is in place and exhibits the Enfield-style head that is ribbed and pierced for a cleaning rag.

These Brazilian 'Short Minie Rifles" is a seldom seen imported rifle musket in very good original condition used by Ohio troops.

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