Exceptional 1881 Improved Comblain Persian military contract rifle made by A. Francotte of Liege, Belgium, one of the last to have been assembled, original and matching with mirror bore! ANTIQUE!

Description:

Elegant and well-preserved Auguste Francotte & Cie Model 1881 Improved Comblain Persian military single-shot rifle, manufactured in Liège, Belgium with an estimated production of 2000 guns, this example one of the last, one of Europe’s most important 19th-century arms-making centers. Francotte, founded in 1805, developed a strong reputation for producing finely fitted military and commercial arms, many built under license from prominent designs of the era.

This 1881 Improved Comblain has a 35" barrel, caliber 11mm, SN: 2028, utilizes the classic Comblain-pattern falling-block action with an external serrated and rounded hammer, a system known for its strength, mechanical simplicity, and reliability. The right side of the action is stamped “COMBLAINE BREVETÉ” along with the Belgian registration number 77683, reflecting patent protection for the Comblain system.

The barrel has a fixed front sight and notched battle/ladder rear sight, the ladder graduated from 5-10, the left side of the base graduated 200/300/400. Octagonal chamber with maker markings and usual Belgian proofs. Paired barrel bands, the forward band with a rotating sling swivel and a fixed bayonet mount extending from the right side. A second sling swivel is mounted forward of the matching numbered action. Smooth forend and buttstock, the nose capped forend with inspector initials on the right side, repeated on the buttstock along with small Belgian proof behind the trigger guard/unlocking lever and a large circular cartouche on the right side of the buttstock "A. FRANCOTTE A LIEGE" surrounding central logo. In-the-white cleaning rod and smooth metal buttplate.

Throughout the mid-19th century and up to the First World War, Belgian manufacturers, and Auguste Francotte in particular, played a major role in European arms production. Comblain-pattern rifles were adopted by several nations, the Improved 1881 Persian Contract well documented and scarce, making high condition examples of these early falling-block rifles especially interesting for students and collectors of transitional military firearms. ANTIQUE!

Condition:

EXC- original condition, most blued metal surfaces showing light sharp edge wear and thinning with the exception of the trigger guard/unlocking lever whose lower surface has faded to a mellow patina. Comparable condition wooden furniture retaining its original finish with superficial handling marks, scuffs, and oil darkening. The inspection stamps and butt cartouche are very crisp. In-the-white cleaning rod with minimal oxidation. Mirror bright bore. Correct manual mechanics.