PERCUSSION WALL GUN, model 1842, FROM THE MUTZIG MANUFACTORY, also known as the "Big carbine", July Monarchy era. 29391R

FORTRESS PERCUSSION RIFLE, model 1842, FROM MUTZIG MANUFACTORY, known as "Big carbine", July Monarchy. 29391R

Hexagonal then round barrel, length 86.5 cm, with breech block 92.9 cm. Breech block marked "Model 1842". Barrel dated "1845", marked "D" under crown, "S" under star and "M" under crown. Specific sight called "sliding plate" for this model, bayonet lug on the right side of the barrel, caliber 20.5 mm. Rear lockplate signed "Mre Rle de Mutzig", stamped with a "K" crowned by Th. Keeux, inspector at the Mutzig manufactory in 1837 then 2nd-class controller in 1839. Walnut stock with long fore-end, all iron fittings stamped "W" and "N" under star. Butt plate of a specific type called "beak and chicken's comb". Strong iron ramrod.
Total length of the rifle 1.28 m.

France.
July Monarchy.
Good condition, some light rust on steel parts.

HISTORY:
The concept of fortress rifles is that of a large caliber weapon, complementary to artillery, only used in fixed points where the frequent use of supports (such as forks or pivots as on the fortress rifle model 1831) was common. With the fortress rifle model 1838, the barrel length was reduced to normal proportions, about 80 centimeters (the barrel of the fortress rifle model 1831 was 1.20 m long), so there is no longer a need for a specific loading method (the loading of the fortress rifle model 1831 was done from the rear using a movable chamber blocked by a wedge). The fortress rifles model 1838, 1840, and 1842 will therefore be loaded in the conventional way, through the muzzle.
Derived from the carbine model 1837, known as the "Pontcharra carbine", the fortress rifle model 1838 will feature an interesting innovation: the narrowed chamber. This principle facilitates the loading of the weapon and increases accuracy as the bullet is firmly embedded in the rifling. Another innovation that improves accuracy is the sight, which features a graduated rear sight up to 600 meters.
The fortress rifle model 1840 will incorporate all the improvements of the model 1838, retaining the external appearance but differing only in the lockplate and a few details, everything else being similar.
The initial fortress rifle model 1840, due to its function, will not have a bayonet, but a variant known as the "lightened fortress rifle model 1840" will be equipped with one. To achieve this, a lug had to be brazed onto the barrel and the muzzle and front sight moved backward.
Manufactured almost exclusively by the Royal Chatellerault Manufactory, the fortress rifle model 1840 and its "lightened" variant will quickly be overshadowed by the fortress rifle model 1842, differing only in details and a weight reduction of 300 grams.

Operation and structure:
The fortress rifle Model 1840 consists of four parts: the barrel-action assembly, the lockplate, the wood, and the fittings. The barrel-action assembly is composed of the barrel with the breech block fixed at its rear, forming a rigid unit in which the movable breech block is housed, and to which the stock is attached.