This scarce French Minie-Cordier percussion military training rifle is one of a few made. The serial number is 656 (matching including the takedown screw). The 50 caliber 16.25"" round barrel has a good bore with strong rifling. The gun has a smooth brown patina and walnut stock. These unusual rifles were designed to train French cadets circa 1860. They are based on the designs by Claude Minie, the designer of the famous Minie bullet that revolutionized warfare, and were manufactured by Cordier & Cie of Paris. The barrel ends a little ahead of the forend tip and the nipple is mounted on the right side. It is struck by a rod that extends back to the hammer which is mounted to the lock in the stock. By moving the nipple further forward from the cadet's face and firing reduced charges, the hope was that this would prevent the cadet from developing a flinch and allow them to learn proper markmanship more readily. It has a traditional military style blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight, C.C on top in an oval, oval C and MINIE BTE over S.G.D.G. (somewhat indistinct) markings below the bolster and matching numbers on the upper tang, barrel, takedown screw, and trigger. The stock is very good with issue dents and dings. The swivels are present. The action functions properly. These interesting French training rifles are rarely seen in the U.S.