This video showcases the 1854 Treuille de Beaulieu Mousqueton, the first breechloader adopted by the French military. Issued to Napoleon III's personal guard (Cent Gardes), this unique open-bolt, dropping-block carbine fires a 9x46mm pinfire cartridge. The description highlights its light and handy design, issued with a meter-long saber bayonet, and a brief mention of a centerfire conversion in the 1860s. The carbine left service in 1870 with the disbandment of the Cent Gardes. The presenter thanks the Liege arms museum for allowing access to this historical firearm.
This video from Forgotten Weapons explores the Arcelin Mousqueton, an 1850s French military bolt-action breechloader. Originally adopted in 1854 for the Cent Gardes, its promising trials were overshadowed by significant operational flaws, including insufficient obturation and a tendency to become difficult to operate, leading to broken bolt handles. The breechloader was quickly replaced. The Arcelin's most striking feature was its unique, full-length sword bayonet with a brass handguard, intended for visual impact rather than practical combat. The video thanks the Cody Firearms Museum for access to this rare firearm.
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