Guns International #: 101708972
Seller's Inventory #: CBP13-193

Category - Antique Rifles - Percussion - Civil War Rifles

Category
Antique Rifles - Percussion
Civil War Rifles

CIVIL WAR IMPORT BRAZILIAN LIGHT MINI RIFLE

Description:
 The firm of O.P. Drissen is particularly well known to collectors of Civil War arms as the source for the “Brazilian Light Minié Rifles” that were apparently diverted from their original Brazilian buyers to US agents, buying arms for the Federal government. The company had been established in Liège and remained in business through 1874, producing a wide range of arms. It is worth noting that the American Civil War clearly impacted the firm’s business, as in 1861 they proved only 4,820 “muskets” at the Liège Proof House, but the following year proved 14,233; a nearly three-fold increase in output. The following year, in 1863, the firm proved 12,221 “muskets.” However, by 1864, the number of similar arms proved at the Liège proof house was only 595. This sudden reduction in output coincides with the July of 1863 cancellation of all foreign arms contracts by the US government. These numbers, and their sudden reduction after the US foreign arms purchasing program came to an end, suggest that much of the Drissen output for 1862 and 1863 was destined for US buyers.  The O.P. Drissen muskets can be identified by the D(anchor)C proof mark.  This example is proofed on the following components : Lockplate, hammer, barrel, stock and both barrel bands.  The guns that were issued to the Union troops had a brass plate that was attached on the wrist with 3 nails.  The plate is missing on this example.  But you can still see the mounting holes in the wrist.  Also missing is the sling mount near the toe of the stock.  The bore on this rifle was 14.8mm (.583) when new.  Now the bore is approx .60 cal smoothbore.  The metal finish has turned to a pleasing brown patina.  This would make a civil war collection addition !!

PRICE:    SOLD         We are Antique & Modern Firearms in Lexington, KY, dealer of fine firearms since 1974.                   
PH. 859-276-1419             We Buy, Sell and Trade Firearms & Knives.    Have a Individual Firearm,  Firearms Collection, or Firearms Estate to sell, let us know, we can buy or consignment sell it for you.                   
NOTE:  No additional fee for a Credit Card payment.    



 

SOLD

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: O.P. DRISSEN
Model: BRAZILIAN LIGHT MINIE
Serial Number: NONE
Barrel Length: 32 INCH
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Fair
Wood Condition: GOOD
Manufacture Date: 1862