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FLINTLOCK MUSKETS AND
AND IMPERIALISM 1815–1914
BREECH-LOADING RIFLES Barrel band

Muzzle-loading flintlock muskets, such as the French Rear sling swivel
Charleville and the British “Brown Bess,” proved reliable and robust.
Thousands of these were made and remained in service until around ▲ CHARLEVILLE MUSKET Charleville muskets were
1840, by which time armed forces had recognized the ballistic Date 1776 introduced in 1754, and modified
a number of times. Large numbers
advantages of rifled guns. The development of the unitary cartridge— Origin France of the 1776 model found their
1
which combined the bullet and ignition components in a single unit, Weight 9 ⁄4lb (4.2kg) way to the US, where they
3
and could be loaded by way of the breech—inspired new designs. Barrel 3 ⁄4ft (1.13m) were the main armament
of the Continental Army.
Initially, many were conversions of muzzle-loading weapons, but these Caliber .65in
were followed by a range of specially built breech-loaders. The bolt Bolt handle
action, pioneered by Johann von Dreyse and Antoine Alphonse
Chassepot, was perfected by the Mauser brothers.

▶ DREYSE NEEDLE GUN Dreyse’s rifle had a
MODEL 1841 simple straight-handed bolt,
Date 1841 terminating in a needle that
Y Origin Prussia penetrated the length of a
(linen) cartridge to detonate
INDUSTR Barrel 28in (70cm) base of a Minié bullet. Trigger guard
Weight 10lb (4.5kg)
a percussion cap in the
Caliber 13.6mm

Leather sling for
steadiness while shooting
Tape primer
▲ BAKER RIFLE The rifle designed by compartment
Date 1800–37 English gunsmith Ezekiel
Baker was chosen for riflemen in
Origin UK
the British Army (see pp.192–93).
Weight 8 ⁄4lb (4kg) Accurate to around 460ft (140m),
3
Barrel 30in (76cm) it was a great improvement over
smoothbore muskets.
Caliber .625in

Sliding
breechblock

▲ SHARPS PERCUSSION- This percussion-cap
CAP CARBINE breech-loader used
Date 1848 a sliding breechblock
Rear sling swivel Origin US to load a combustible
cartridge, which was
3
Weight 7 ⁄4lb (3.5kg) ignited by a tape primer
“Trapdoor” breech cover Breech Barrel 18in (45.5cm) or, in other models,
incorporates firing pin cover hinge a percussion cap.
Caliber .52in