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A RARE FRENCH 9X46 1854 MOSQUETON TREUILLE de BEAULIEU, NO. 116
31 1/2-inch barrel with octagonal breech section, with folding ladder sight, numbered fore sight, the receiver with falling block and sprung trigger guard, sling swivels, full length stock with brass furniture and bayonet bar, 11 3/4-inch pull, 6llb. 6oz.
Emperor Napoleon III was very interested in new technology and in 1851 asked Captain Beaulieu to study and develop a simple breech-loading mechanism. Introduced in 1854 the Emperor chose to equip his own security service, Cent-Gardes, with this innovative breech-loading carbine, the first in French service. To make the weapon more impressive it was equipped with a bayonet which was longer than the rifle itself. Seeing limited service, they were withdrawn in 1870 following the surrender of Napoleon III and the disbanding of the Cent-Gardes. |
Sold for £1800
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| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street |
| 20 April 2011 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
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