CONFEDERATE ORDNANCE C & R BRAZILIAN LIGHT MINIE RIFLE IN SUPERB CONDITION

CONFEDERATE ORDNANCE C & R BRAZILIAN LIGHT MINIE RIFLE IN SUPERB CONDITION

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$3,550.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1284-53

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This is one of the most attractive of the percussion rifles used during the American Civil War. It is a Brazilian Light Minié Rifle, manufactured by the O.P. Drissen company of Liège. It had a unique combination of the features found on the British Enfield short rifle and the French Light Minié rifle; a hybrid if you will. The US Government purchased around 6,000 of these rifles. There are many images of Civil War troops with these guns. The most dramatic image of one of these rifles was taken at Fort Mahone April 3. 1865. It shows a dead Confederate soldier near one. Please see our photo attachments and note the damage to the muzzle on the weapon and its Confederate made linen sling.

On this rifle the .577 caliber barrel measures 32 inches in length. The breech area of the rifle shows some light flash pitting, with the balance of the gun metal being almost entirely smooth with a deep rich brown age patination. The oval “E" over "LG" over a star 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 inch long saber bayonet lug on the right side; this lug is numbered "4224".  The bore of the rifle is in nice condition and retains rifling throughout its length. The rifle 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 "D" anchor "C". The mechanics remain very crisp. 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 its surfaces.  The trigger guard and butt plate are brass and exhibit a lovely golden tone that is very attractive. The stock is in excellent condition and has a nice walnut brown color, with a reddish undertone. The stock is untouched and uncleaned. It has the minor scattered bumps, dings and bruises from use. There are two stamps found on the stock: the Drissen "D" anchor "C" is found directly behind the barrel breech tang, and an oval cartouche is on the right cheek of the shoulder stock. Originally on the wrist of the stock was a brass shield with the classic US eagle boldly emblazoned on it. The shield was originally mounted with three brass screws. This was removed by Confederate Ordnance.

Stamped in front of the brass trigger guard is a Confederate C & R stamping "Q". This is identified as one of the ubiquitous C&R alphabet letters. Steven Knott identified these alphabet capital letters as belonging to CS Ordnance inspectors. Just ahead of this "Q" is a tiny about 1/16th of an inch "Q"; this small Q has been seen stamped on the underside of the barrels of other C & R weapons. In his 2019 book “Captured and Collected Confederate Reissued Firearms” he breaks it all down. It should be said that decades before Mr. Knott did his research old school collectors were well aware that the letters consistently seen on firearms including pistols were of Confederate origin. Mr. Knott who put it all "to pen" estimated that as many as 200,000 firearms gathered by CS Ordnance teams or civilians were placed into the Confederate cleaning and repair (“C&R”) system for reissue to Confederate troops, along with perhaps another 50,000 turned in by Confederate units. Most of these were in the eastern theatre, where Confederate victories left battlefields in southern hands, and the guns went through the process at Danville, Staunton, Lynchburg, or Richmond. Knott’s original catalog of five letter marks designating different inspectors (A,F,Q,T,Z) has expanded to include a “D” and also “&”. This “Q” stamp is associated with Richmond Artillery Workshop used as the weapon recycling operation in Richmond from late 1862 to 1864. Over the years this compiler has seen at least 4 other Brazilian Minie rifles with C & R stampings in the stock and the eagle shields removed from the wrist; accordingly, one may conclude that these arms were considered highly desirable to the Confederates and a priority when captured or found on the battlefield for the C & R teams. Historic, Confederate and in terrific condition.   [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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