Civil War Import Brazilian Light Minié Ball. These Belgium made rifles, also known as the Brazilian Model 1857 rifle, were imported from Belgium by the Union, circa 1862. While they were intended for Brazil, one manufacturer, Drissen & Co., diverted its shipments to the U.S. The overall length is 48". The round barrel is 32". The caliber was 14.8mm (.583") with this gun now being about .60 caliber smoothbore. All metal has a smooth even brown patina. The brass trigger guard and butt plate are nicely aged. The stock is very good with a small age crack forward of the trigger guard and no other chips and cracks. The lower sling swivel on the toe of the butt has been removed, the screw holes filled, and the area smoothed into the stock contour. The O.P. Drissen & Co. Anchor D C stamp is on the lock, butt plate, tang, trigger guard, hammer, barrel, bands, and stock (barely visible). A brass tag with American shield and eagle is attached with three brass screws to the top of the wrist. The 2½" saber bayonet stud has been removed at the muzzle. The replacement rear sight is a simple notched wedge. The sling swivel has been removed from the lower band. We have observed several of these Civil War imports with American eagle badge on the stock and having “OHIO" stamped into the stock near the badge. This example does not have the Ohio marking.