Reward Rifle Awarded To François Douceré, Model 1817, Restoration Period

A reward rifle for Royalist foot soldiers who distinguished themselves during the campaigns against the Revolution, attributed to François Douceré, Model 1817, Restoration period. 32228. Twisted barrel, model of the Year IX musketoon but elongated, length 102.7 cm, length with breech tang 108 cm, caliber 17.5 mm, dated "1817", stamped "DT" by the inspector Dombret, 1814-1818, and an illegible stamp. Breech tang with a step, without decoration or inscription. Lockplate of the Model IX musketoon engraved "Manuf Royale De Versailles", stamped "C" in an oval, with a standard brass pan. All the furniture is silvered brass, modeled after the furniture of the Year XIII rifle but lighter in proportion (muzzle cap, sling swivel, butt plate, swages), and all are stamped with the "H" of the second inspector, Hardy. The trigger guard is in a half-Charolais style. The side plate is S-shaped. The butt plate has a return ending in a fleur-de-lis. The oval thumb piece is stamped in relief with the Arms of France and the inscription "VIVE LE ROI" (Long Live the King). The attribution plate on the side of the lock plate is engraved "Donné Par le ROI au Sr DOUCERÉ (Fois)" (Given by the King to Mr. Douceré (Fois)). The stock is of the Year IX system, thinner, and the wood is marked "JD". Iron ramrod with a nail-headed tip. Overall rifle length 143.4 cm. Bayonet with a 36.5 cm iron head, overall length 44 cm. France. Restoration period. Very good condition, wood stained near the steel fittings. BIOGRAPHY: Étienne François DOUCERÉ, farmer (merchant), in the commune of Médréac, department of Ille-et-Vilaine, second lieutenant in the Bourmont Division. Born July 30, 1793, died July 24, 1866.