Flintlock Rifle For Military Academy Students, Model 1817

Royal Manufactory of Versailles, France
Restoration period – 1818
Iron, steel, brass, and walnut
Total length: 136 cm – Barrel length: 100 cm

DESCRIPTION

A rare and significant regulation flintlock rifle intended for students at French military academies, Model 1817, manufactured by the Royal Manufactory of Versailles during the final years of operation of this prestigious institution.

This weapon is of major historical interest since it was designed exclusively for the training of future officers and was produced in extremely limited numbers.

The barrel, octagonal at the breech and round toward the muzzle, is fitted with a tenon for attaching a bayonet. It is dated 1818 and bears the regulatory hallmarks of the inspector Martial Dombret (DT) as well as those of the inspector Louis Nottret.

The flintlock trigger mechanism, derived from that of the An XIII pistol, is marked “Mre Royale de Versailles.” It bears the “G” hallmark beneath a star belonging to inspector Augustin Germain, as well as the internal marking “IEM.”

The trigger guard with underguard and all the brass fittings bear the hallmarks of the inspectors Jean-Baptiste Deschaseaux and Jean-Baptiste Hardy.

The long-barreled walnut stock is numbered 326. It retains its regulation iron ramrod with a nail-head tip, also hallmarked D.

A small aluminum disc bearing the number 73, added at a later date, corresponds to a former collection number.

The piece is preserved in excellent condition, consistent and authentic.

AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE PIECE

This model, lighter than its contemporaries, was manufactured exclusively by the Royal Manufactory of Versailles in a limited run of only 401 pieces:
• 201 pieces in 1817
• 200 pieces in 1818

These were the very last pieces produced by the manufactory before its permanent closure.

MARKET REFERENCE

A comparable piece is currently being offered for 6,000 € by expert Bertrand Malvaux, a recognized authority in the field of antique arms.

PRICE

3,900 €