Lemille A Leige Rifle

[NortheastShane]

Hello everyone,

I came here to find out some more information on a rifle that was passed down in my family. Don't know the specific year, or much about the rifle other than it is from Belgium.

It was passed down from my Great Uncle and now it comes to me. To excited to share this gorgeous weapon.

I was hoping there may be some information about the rifle. Maybe some links, articles, just any information would be helpful. I was hoping the sight would give a clue to the era. Also only found two engravings.

The canteen, sword, and other items were already sold.

Appreciate it!

 

[Old Soldier]

It is a Belgian copy of a French Modelle 1857 Light Infantry rifle musket. Check the caliber. If the caliber is .70" it is probably a French sub-contract job. If it is .58" it MAY be a civil war import for the Union. If it is, it will have import acceptance stamps - others can describe them and their location better than I.

Another thread to try is :

Brass Napoleon Award - French & Belgian Infantry arms of the American Civil War | Small Arms & Ammunition

This thread is intended as an educational thread on French & Belgian Arms used by the Infantry.

civilwartalk.com

It does look if it has been completely re-finished so will have lost a lot of it's 'antique' value and this may even have removed the stock stampings! There may be some repro parts on it too. The backsight is not the standard Belgian or French one and looks very 'enfield', but the Belgian gunshops made those too so it's not unusual.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

With the Enfield style rear sight it is almost certainly one of the .58 caliber "Pondir" rifles that were purchased by the North. These are much more desirable than typical French or Belgian arms.

 

[NortheastShane]

Belgian Made .58 Rifle Musket & Bayonet - Scarce

Belgian Made 58 Rifle Musket Bayonet Scarce

collegehillarsenal.com

Thank you everyone! 3,241 made. Incredible. I believe it is a 0.58" caliper. Unfortunately I'm not sure if there is any markings. Where would I look for numbers? On the stock?

Thank you guys so much! I'm very thankful it is staying in the family.

 

[NortheastShane]

More images of markings