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Military Rifles in the Age of Transition
(Non-U.S.) Black Powder, Metallic Cartidge, Military Rifles
1865 to 1890
(A Research, Photo-Identification and Information Website since 1997)
M1870 Comblain Civil Guard Rifle
(Carabine Comblain de la Garde Civique Modèle 1870)
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M1870 Civil Guard Comblain Short Rifle(Carabine Comblain de la Garde Civique Modèle 1870)
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
A discussion of the general historical context within which the complain rifle was developed can be found at the main Comblain "index" page link here: The Comblain rifle
DEVELOPMENT
For an overview of the early development of this, the first of the varieties of Comblain rifles adopted for military use, please see DEVELOPMENT at this page: The Comblain Rifle
In the late 1860s the Belgian army had already adopted a pair of breach loading conversion rifles to equip its army (the Terssen and then the earlier but delayed Albini-Braendlin), but the Belgian government still needed to upgrade its Garde Civic, a Belgian militia that also acted as an army reserve. After an extensive testing regimen this new rifle was selected and Belgian Garde Civic units began adopting the M1870 in September, 1870, and thereafter.
GENERALLY
The bronze alloy chosen for use in this new rifle appears to have been selected to simplify and hasten production. Note that all later versions of the Comblain were manufactured in steel.
The M1870s (Modèle 1870) were only actively utilized by the home guard, the Garde Civique. (The Garde Civique were small para‑military units raised in some of the larger cities of Belgium in the 19th century. One could call them "city‑militia". The unit‑markings on their weapons which designate to their home town are distinctive individual letters.) The only Comblains that were issued to and carried by the active military (Belgian Army) were the different army carbine variations of 980 mm (39 inch) long beginning with the M1871 Belgian Comblain Carbine (Mousqueton Comblain Modèle 1871), including a family of its follow-on, slightly improved versions (Models 1871/1883, 1871/1883 modifié and 1871/83/88). All of these weapons, including the series of musketoons, were replaced with the introduction of the Belgian Mauser M1889, first entering service in 1891.
M1870 Civil Guard Comblain Short Rifle (Carabine Comblain de la Garde Civique Modèle 1870)
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The M1870 Comblain is one of the easiest rifles of this era to identify as its large receiver which splits forearm stock from buttstock and all action parts but for the hammer, as well as the barrel bands, nosecap and buttplate are all produced in a phosphor bronze alloy. Its only iron or steel parts are its barrel, sights, hammer, sling swivel and screws.
The rear sight is graduated from 200 to 1,000 m (220 to 1,100 yds). The lower sling swivel is fixed to the lower front of the receiver via a short tang and upper sling swivel is mounted below the front band.
The barrel is fitted with not only a substantial bayonet lug and tenon on the right side of the barrel but also with a short (5/8”, 16 mm) support lug and tenon on the left side of the barrel at the muzzle all of which to support a Yatagan bayonet substantially similar to the French M1866 yatagan bayonet.
This rifle, like all Comblains, has a transverse bolt through the stock ahead of the lower sling swivel which mounts into and is supported by brass escutcheons on either side. To accommodate the sabre bayonet lug and tenon, the brass nosecap is 5 3/8” (137 mm) back from the muzzle.
The receiver of this M1870 Belgian Comblain differs noticeably from that of the later M1882 Belgian Garde Civic Comblain, which you will note has a longer, more elegant receiver than the earlier versions. Except for being in bronze, this M1870 version has a receiver in most ways nearly identical dimensionally to that of the steel receiver M1873 Brazilian Comblain, Chilean Comblain and other earlier foreign contract Comblains. However, notably, it's lower tang is made as an integral part of the receiver casting and it's hammer remains exposed. By contrast, the lower tangs of the Brazilian and Chilean models are separate pieces fitting into a mating slot in the back of the receiver and held in place by a specific transverse screw at the receiver's lower back.
Regarding sling swivels, note that Comblains come in two distinct varieties, the first, like this model 1870, locate sling swivels just ahead of the receiver and below the top band. This is an identical placement to that of the South American Comblains. The rear sling swivel is a separate piece from the receiver, fitting into a slot in the front of the receiver.
The alternate version sling swivel placement seen in, for example, the M1881 Persian Comblain and both the M1882 Belgian Garde Civic Comblain and M1882 Moroccan Comblain locates the sling swivels along the lower comb of the buttstock and below the center band. Neither connected to the receiver itself.
Most Comblain variations, following this M1870 version have an exposed hammer, but note that the Brazilian branch of the Comblain family tree is fitted with a fully shrouded hammer without hammer spur.
Brazilian Comblain with the hammer completely concealed.
Chilean Comblain
OPERATING MECHANISM
Having a unique action, the Comblain can hardly be mistaken for anything else. The relatively massive receiver houses a substantial breech block which is pivoted back and downward below the receiver by the combination trigger guard/operating lever which pivots forward of the trigger. The trigger itself is located in a semi‑cylindrical steel housing also containing the mainspring and sear assembly. Operation of the rifle is likewise unique. Pushing the trigger guard downward and forward (most easily accomplished by pushing through with the thumb of the trigger hand) slightly backs and lowers the breech block/hammer/trigger/spring assembly, and the assembly rotates radially down and away from the chamber while both cocking the hammer and extracting the spent cartridge case. The fresh cartridge is manually inserted into the chamber, the operating lever raised which moves the breech block into the closed position and the rifle is ready to fire.
MARKINGS
The bronze action M1870 Comblains were manufactured by at least five different Liège gun makers including Auguste Francotte, Ed Malherbe, Beuret Freires, G Mordant, D. Acion & Fils, and with at least a few of the earliest examples having produced by Lambon & Cie.
Markings right side of the bronze receiver include COMBLAIN above BREVETE' above a 4 or 5 digit patent royalty number above a letter "B" (unknown meaning). Below this grouping is usually affixed the rifle maker’s production serial number, referred to by Kirton as a “Batch Number.” These serial or batch numbers are usually carried through on many of the smaller parts of the rifle, including some action parts, the bayonet tenon flat and the buttplate tang.
The left side of the receiver may additionally include a crown over “AP.” (meaning unknown to us)
The top barrel flat will often but not always be marked with the manufacturer’s name and normally, for the military rifles, letters “GB” in an oval denoting Governement Belgique (Belgian Government property mark) while the upper left barrel flat has the date of production and various Liège proof markings including the distinctive Perron (tower), indicating provisional black powder proof testing as well as multiple inspector's markings.
SPECIFICATIONS, STATISTICS & DATA
M1870 Civil Guard Comblain Short Rifle (Carabine Comblain de la Garde Civique Modèle 1870)
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Overall Length: 1,200 mm (47.5 in)
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Weight, empty: ____ Kg (___ lbs)
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Barrel Length: 832mm (32.75 in)
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Rifling: 4-groove; RH, concentric
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Sight: Quadrant, graduated from 200 (220 yds) to 1,000 m (1,100 yds)
SHORT RIFLES, CARBINES & SPECIAL VERSIONS:
Photos in this section graciously provided by Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
Model 1871 Cavalry Carbine (Mousqueton de Cavalerie, Système Comblain, Modèle 1871)
In 1869, the Belgium government commission requested the development of a calvary carbine. Adopted for the regular Army’s cavalry in 1871, this model is a shortened M1870 Garde Civique short rifle. The short forend is retained by a nosecap and a transverse bolt. Sling Swivels are mounted beneath the nosecap and the buttstock. The action is made of steel along with all of the fittings and has a shrouded hammer.
This is the first instance of issued Comblains being fitted with a shrouded hammer, a feature which, other than this early Belgian carbine, is virtually dispositive of the M1873 Brazilian Comblain and all later versions of the Brazilian Comblain family.
Modèle
Photos Credit Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
Model 1871/83 Carbine, (Mousqueton de Cavalerie, Système Comblain, Modèle 1871/83)
From 1883 onward, many M1871s were altered for the engineers and supply corps to the Mle 1882 Garde Civique rifle configuration. This is a slight modification of the M1871, with altered hammer (more grip), altered back sight to allow firing at greater distances, and forend extended to the muzzle. As these were stocked to the muzzle, new screw-retained barrel bands and a new nosecap was fitted to support the new forestock. A sling bar was mounted to the under-edge of the stock immediately behind the breech lever, and a cleaning rod was conventionally installed beneath the barrel. The new rear sight was graduated to 1,070m (1,170 yds)
Photos Credit Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
M1871/83 Modified Cavalry Carbine (Mousqueton de Cavalerie, Système Comblain, Modèle 1871/83 modifié)
Wood was shortened again with a new nosecap (now a simple steel ring to hold the barrel against the wood like the Terssen one) and a bayonet attachment was added to allow mounting the M1867 Albini socket bayonet.
Photos Credit Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
M1888 Carbine Country Guards (Mousqueton de Garde-Champetre, Système Comblain, Modèle 1888)
The production of these carbines started after the Comblain patent was expired but they do appear to be official Belgian government issue. Same as the M1871/83, but with a new sabre bayonet attachment lug to mount a sword bayonet. Nosecap like the Model 71, hammer and sights like the model 71/83.
Photo Credit: www.ALB1914.be
BAYONETS
M1870 Yatagan Sabre Bayonet
The M1870 Bayonet is very similar to that of a French Chassepot Yagatan bayonet, however it was originally made for the Terssen Rifle. There is conflicting sources on whether the M1870 Comblain used the same bayonet or if it had a bayonet that was very similar. (If you have more information on this please do share!)
Photo Credit: www.ima.com
M1888 Bayonet
The M1888 bayonet is very rare, the serial number is stamped on the left side of the cross guard and the proof of manufacture is on the right side of the ricasso. The overall length is 56.5 cm.
Photo Credit: catawiki.com
CARTRIDGE
The original military M1870 Comblain Rifle used the same cartridge as used in the Albini-Braendlin and Terssen rifles. This cartridge used a rolled brass foil case and existed in at least 8 variations. All but the last had minor structural changes or different bullets but used a straight tapered cased. At various times these cartridges have been known as the: 11mm Belgian Infantry, 11mm Terssen, 11mm Comblain M71, 11mm Albini M67. (Francis Latoir ‘The 11mm Belgian Infantry Cartridge’ (The Cartridge Collector 237-2:9/84))
DIMENSIONS: M1867 11.4x51R, 11x50R
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Bullet diameter: 11.32mm
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Neck diameter: .11.98mm
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Base diameter: 14.73mm
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Rim diameter: 17.22mm
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Case length: 53mm
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Total length: 63mm
DIMENSIONS: M1880 11.4x51R or 11x50R
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Bullet diameter: 11.35mm
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Neck diameter: 11.68mm
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Base diameter: 14.6mm
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Rim diameter: 17.09mm
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Case length: 53mm
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Total length: 65mm
DIMENSIONS: M1867 Carbine, 11.4x42R or 11X42R
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Bullet diameter: 11.25mm
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Neck diameter:
-
Base diameter:
-
Rim diameter:
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Case length: 42mm
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Total length: 57mm
Photo Credit: https://militarycartridges.com/
For more detailed information on the Comblain and its cartridge history, check out this article by Historian Brad Dixon, a New Zealand Cartridge Collector: Comblain Drawn Case Cartridges.
SHORT RIFLES, CARBINES & SPECIAL VERSIONS:
Photos in this section graciously provided by Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
Model 1871 Cavalry Carbine (Mousqueton de Cavalerie, Système Comblain, Modèle 1871)
In 1869, the Belgium government commission requested the development of a calvary carbine. Adopted for the regular Army’s cavalry in 1871, this model is a shortened M1870 Garde Civique short rifle. The short forend is retained by a nosecap and a transverse bolt. Sling Swivels are mounted beneath the nosecap and the buttstock. The action is made of steel along with all of the fittings and has a shrouded hammer.
This is the first instance of issued Comblains being fitted with a shrouded hammer, a feature which, other than this early Belgian carbine, is virtually dispositive of the M1873 Brazilian Comblain and all later versions of the Brazilian Comblain family.
Photos Credit Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
Model 1871/83 Carbine, (Mousqueton de Cavalerie, Système Comblain, Modèle 1871/83)
From 1883 onward, many M1871s were altered for the engineers and supply corps to the Mle 1882 Garde Civique rifle configuration. This is a slight modification of the M1871, with altered hammer (more grip), altered back sight to allow firing at greater distances, and forend extended to the muzzle. As these were stocked to the muzzle, new screw-retained barrel bands and a new nosecap was fitted to support the new forestock. A sling bar was mounted to the under-edge of the stock immediately behind the breech lever, and a cleaning rod was conventionally installed beneath the barrel. The new rear sight was graduated to 1,070m (1,170 yds)
Photos Credit Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
M1871/83 Modified Cavalry Carbine (Mousqueton de Cavalerie, Système Comblain, Modèle 1871/83 modifié)
Wood was shortened again with a new nosecap (now a simple steel ring to hold the barrel against the wood like the Terssen one) and a bayonet attachment was added to allow mounting the M1867 Albini socket bayonet.
Photos Credit Arthur Van Roosem Koninklijk Legermuseum in Brussels (klm-mra.be/nl)
M1888 Carbine Country Guards (Mousqueton de Garde-Champetre, Système Comblain, Modèle 1888)
The production of these carbines started after the Comblain patent was expired but they do appear to be official Belgian government issue. Same as the M1871/83, but with a new sabre bayonet attachment lug to mount a sword bayonet. Nosecap like the Model 71, hammer and sights like the model 71/83.
Photo Credit: www.ALB1914.be
BAYONETS
M1870 Yatagan Sabre Bayonet
The M1870 Bayonet is very similar to that of a French Chassepot Yagatan bayonet, however it was originally made for the Terssen Rifle. There is conflicting sources on whether the M1870 Comblain used the same bayonet or if it had a bayonet that was very similar. (If you have more information on this please do share!)
Photo Credit: www.ima.com
M1888 Bayonet
The M1888 bayonet is very rare, the serial number is stamped on the left side of the cross guard and the proof of manufacture is on the right side of the ricasso. The overall length is 56.5 cm.
Photo Credit: catawiki.com
CARTRIDGE
The original military M1870 Comblain Rifle used the same cartridge as used in the Albini-Braendlin and Terssen rifles. This cartridge used a rolled brass foil case and existed in at least 8 variations. All but the last had minor structural changes or different bullets but used a straight tapered cased. At various times these cartridges have been known as the: 11mm Belgian Infantry, 11mm Terssen, 11mm Comblain M71, 11mm Albini M67. (Francis Latoir ‘The 11mm Belgian Infantry Cartridge’ (The Cartridge Collector 237-2:9/84))
DIMENSIONS: M1867 11.4x51R, 11x50R
-
Bullet diameter: 11.32mm
-
Neck diameter: .11.98mm
-
Base diameter: 14.73mm
-
Rim diameter: 17.22mm
-
Case length: 53mm
-
Total length: 63mm
DIMENSIONS: M1880 11.4x51R or 11x50R
-
Bullet diameter: 11.35mm
-
Neck diameter: 11.68mm
-
Base diameter: 14.6mm
-
Rim diameter: 17.09mm
-
Case length: 53mm
-
Total length: 65mm
DIMENSIONS: M1867 Carbine, 11.4x42R or 11X42R
-
Bullet diameter: 11.25mm
-
Neck diameter:
-
Base diameter:
-
Rim diameter:
-
Case length: 42mm
-
Total length: 57mm
Photo Credit: https://militarycartridges.com/
For more detailed information on the Comblain and its cartridge history, check out this article by Historian Brad Dixon, a New Zealand Cartridge Collector: Comblain Drawn Case Cartridges.
MANUFACTURING DATA
Belgium being a smaller country that did not have large manufacturing, it had to rely on a group of small and medium sized companies which formed a cottage industry for small parts to syndicate members. Comblains were made by the ‘Petit Syndicat,’ Liège (Ancion & Co., Dresse-Laloux & Co., Auguste Francotte, and Pirlot-Frésart & Co.), The syndicate itself was a legal consortium which was required to organize and complete large military orders. The exact Comblain production numbers are unknown but below is what we know. (Kirton)
UTILIZATION BY OTHER COUNTRIES
The Comblain in various models was utilized by at least Belgium, Brazil (6 rifle and 3 carbine models), Chile, Morocco, Persia, Peru and perhaps Greece.
Brazil:
See Page on Brazilian Comblains
Greece:
Walter indicates that the standard Belgian version was exported to Greece. Please let us know if you have any information on this.
Peru
See Page on Peruvian Comblains
Chile
See Page on Chilean Comblains
Persia:
See Page on Persian Comblains
Morocco:
See Page on Moroccan Comblains
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
PREDECESSOR & FOLLOW-ON RIFLES
Predecessor Rifle: Terrsen
Follow-On Rifle(s): M1882 Comblain
REFERENCES
A special thanks to Arthur Van Rossem of the Koninklijk Legermuseum and Brad Dixon!
Militärgewehre mit Fallblockverschluss - Heino Hintermeier
Les Armes a Feu Reglementaires Belges Depuis 1830 - Credit Communal
The Comblain Rifle An Early Falling Block BreechLoader - Jonathan Grenville Kirton
To learn more about Comblain Rifles, we strongly encourage to read or to purchase this fine book by Jonathan Kirton!
Page Built 12/14/24
Updated 1/21/25