Rifle De Versailles Model Year XII Flint Infantry.

Rifle of Versailles Model An XII of Infantry to flint.
Imperial Manufacture of Versailles
Dated 1811
Wood, steel and brass
Overall length : 104cm
Length of the barrel: 64,5cm

Octagonal barrel rifle with a slightly blunderbuss muzzle and seven internal helical flutes. It bears the date 1811 on the right side of the barrel. The steel lock marked "Mre Impl de Versailles" for "Manufacture Impériale de Versailles" and stamped Deschaseaux, 1st Controller. The hammer is with the model year IX.
The barrel is punched́ of two capital letters: " G " for Godmas Réviseur and " J " for Jacquesson Inspector.
The projecting cheek stock, made of walnut, is marked "NOEL" on the back of the underguard.

The stock button is also hallmarked́ with the initial "J" for Inspector Jacquesson. The initials "JD" for Jean-Baptiste Deschaseaux, 1st Controller, accompanied by the date 1811 E.F. are located next to the macaron.
The trimmings are marked with the letter "D" referring to Deschaseaux. Enture to the stock heel on the left sidé.

Jean-Baptiste DESCHASEAUX, controller at the manufacture of Versailles the 2 brumaire year VI was born in 1756. He was confirmed as second controller on 1 vendémiaire year IX and worked at the platinum workshop of St-Valéry-sur-Somme, dependent on Versailles, until its closure in pluviôse year X.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON