14 Mm Spindle-type Rifle – J. Rouchon, Saint-étienne – 19th Century - Scn26obj013

Rare 14 mm pin-action walking gun by J. Rouchon, a gunsmith in Saint-Étienne; this model features a mechanism concealed within the cane shaft and is equipped with a detachable shoulder stock.

This remarkable mechanism-based firearm is built around a 14 mm caliber smoothbore steel barrel with a pin lock, concealed within a wooden (bamboo) shaft. The mechanism is housed in the pommel and includes a retractable flat hammer and a folding trigger, both of which are concealed when the weapon is in cane configuration.

With its original, removable metal shoulder stock, the cane can be converted into a shoulder-fired firearm. This configuration is characteristic of the Saint-Étienne cane guns by J. Rouchon documented in the 19th century.
The cane bears no specific, legible, or visible markings or hallmarks.

This cane gun features a beautiful antique patina and retains its mechanical assembly as well as its removable stock.

The cane is equipped with its ferrule, which is in good condition; it is removable and features a hook to ensure the hammer is cocked, though the hammer can be cocked fairly easily by hand without the tool; the tool is certainly also used to extract the spent cartridge.

• Pivot lock
• Caliber: 14 mm
• Total length with stock: 85 cm
• Barrel length: 73 cm, including the chamber
• Grip length: 11 cm
• Overall length with stock: 110 cm
• Barrel: smoothbore
• Mechanism: functional
• Stock: bamboo, a few cracks (minor, no missing pieces)
• Metal: patinated steel/iron

Good overall condition and functional mechanism, with a beautiful antique patina on the metal parts and signs of wear consistent with the object’s age. Old traces of oxidation and pitting; metal is sound.

A rare and particularly interesting piece of Saint-Étienne armory. This type of cane gun is now sought after for its unusual character, technical sophistication, and historical significance.