RUSSIAN SHARPSHOOTER'S RIFLE FROM THE CRIMEAN WAR

RUSSIAN SHARPSHOOTER'S RIFLE FROM THE CRIMEAN WAR

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$5,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1284-44

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This is a fantastic example of a very rare Victorian era long arm, a  Brunswick Rifle that was produced in Liege, Belgium by Malherbe & Cie under contract for the Russian government. The Russians adopted a copy of the British Pattern 1837 Brunswick Rifle as their rifled arm for limited issue to rifle regiments in 1843 and called it the Model 1843 Luttich Carbine. Until the adoption of a smaller bore rifled long arm in 1856 for general issue to the entire Russian infantry this was the only rifled long arm in Russian service and the only type actually used in any quantity the Crimea. These unique rifles were roughly .70 caliber and used a special two groove rifling that turned at a very fast rate of one complete turn in the length of the 30-inch barrel. The very deep rifling grooves were designed to accept the molded belt that went around the round ball that the rifle was originally designed to fire. The Russians adopted a belted sugar loaf conical bullet instead of the British round ball and used this conical projectile and these rifles to good effect against the British during the Crimean War. Slugs have been found at Balaclava in the "Valley of Death" among a multitude of other hotly contested places in the Crimea.

The rifle is in fine overall condition and is 100% complete and original. The gun has a 30-inch barrel and is stocked nearly to the muzzle. The barrel is retained by three flat keys and the upper sling swivel screw and like the British Pattern 1837 has a "Patent Breech". The barrel has a heavy saber bayonet bar numbered "7" designed to accept the Russian version of the British Brunswick saber bayonet. The original long-range rear site (that was supposedly developed by Colt) is present just forward of the breech, and the iron blade front site present at the end of the barrel. The gun is trimmed with brass furniture, including the butt plate, nose cap, trigger guard and patchbox. The rifle retains both of its original sling swivels, as well as the original brass tipped, heavily cupped rammer. The back action lock is clearly marked "P.J. MALHERBE & CIE" over "A LIEGE" and the bolster is marked "854" The same number is engraved on the brass butt plate as well. The butt plate also has an Imperial Russian Eagle engraved on it as well. There is a small oval brass disk is located on the wrist of the gun with the Imperial cypher of Czar Nicholas I engraved on it; He ruled Russia from 1825 through 1855. The action of the gun works crisply, with both full cock and half cock operating perfectly. The barrel is of fine twist steel as were the early British made Brunswick’s and the Damascus pattern is still quite visible on the barrel, especially close to the breech. The barrel retains about 20%-30% of the original browned finish, with the balance a mixture of brownish and gray patina. There is some scattered peppering over the barrel, but overall, the condition of the metal is fine. The brass furniture has a medium yellow patina to it, with some age discoloration spots. The stock is fine and complete with no breaks, cracks or repairs. The stock does exhibit the normal bumps and dings from service, but is in fine condition, matching the metal condition well.

While we may never know for sure if these Brunswick rifles ever made it to the US for Civil War use there is one pictured in Whisker, Yantz & Noe’s FIREARMS FROM EUROPE the fine reference showing arms imported here both North and South. This exact weapon was sold over 15 years ago to the consignor by College Hill Arsenal, and we have borrowed heavily from Mr. Prince's original detailed write-up. A multitude of Littich Carbines issued principally to Russian Sharpshooters, were captured by both the British and French during the Crimean War 1854 to 1856. Today although extremely rare a few can be found in private collections and museums; they were considered a curiosity in their own time. Rare.  [pe][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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