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M1873, M1874, M1878, M1885 M1889 & M1891 Brazilian Comblains

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M1873 Comblian Model 1 Infantry Rifle (1873 Modele 1 Carabina)

M1874 Comblain Model 2/4Infantry Rifle (1874 Modelo II/IV Carabina)

Operating Mechanism

Markings

Bayonet

Distinguishing Chartacteristcs

Types

Additional Information

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Adler Homero Fonseca de Castro. This page on Brazilian Comblains is significantly better with his help!

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada, China and the US). Brazil covers almost as much territory as the entire continent of Western Europe. About half of South America’s population lives in Brazil, and its major river, the Amazon, is the longest in the western hemisphere.

Brazil was settled by the Portuguese in 1500 and was initially colonized in 1532. The discovery of gold in the late 1600s and diamonds in the 1700s led to an extraordinary period of development, and the boundaries of Brazil were pushed west and south eventually this led to the Treaty of 1750 between Spain and Portugal fixing the boundaries of areas to be ruled by each in South America.

Brazil declared its independence from Portugal without bloodshed in 1822, and in 1825 Portugal recognized that independence. From 1865-1870, Brazil was one of the participants, along with Argentina and Uruguay, in the “War of the Triple Alliance” against Paraguay. Brazil declared itself a republic in 1889, adopting a constitution in 1891.

During the War of the Triple Alliance from 1864 to 1870, Brazil's main arsenal turned out cannons as well as over 78,000 cap lock rifled muskets, bayonets and other war material. But by the end of the war, Brazil was fully aware that all muzzle loading rifles were obsolete. Several types of then current foreign breech loaders were purchased for evaluation and limited issue. Among these were the British .577 Enfield Snider conversion, the French Mle 1866 Chassepot, and the M1866 .44 Winchester. Interestingly, the Winchesters were held in store and not issued out until 1874.

In 1873, the Brazilian Army adopted a version of the Belgian Comblain rifle while the Navy (as with most navies everywhere, going its own way) adopted the 1872 British Westley Richards in .577/450.

GENERALLY

This series of rifles is a distinct variation of the rugged, dropping block creation of Hubert Joseph Comblain of Liège, Belgium, which was initially adopted as the Belgian Comblain in 1870 and almost concurrently by the Peruvians as the Peruvian Comblain and by Chileans as the Chilean Comblain. They were the official Brazilian Army pattern from 1873 to 1892 and were used in active service by the regular Army until 1895.

There were nine(9!) different models in use over this period, ten if one counts the two different cadet models. Brazilian Comblains in service by the Army and police consisted of 6 different Brazilian models of Comblain infantry rifles (carabinas, rifle in Portuguese), 2 varieties of artillery carbines (mosquetaos, carbines in Portuguese), as well as 2 cadet rifle models.

Very little information had been available in the United States on the Brazilian Comblains, as most of the literature relating to them has been published in Portuguese. They appear to have had a hard working, honorable career spanning about 20 years in the service of the regular Brazilian Army.

The rifle models (carabinas) were chambered for the longer Belgian 11x50mmR cartridge while the carbines (mosquetaos) were chambered for a shorter 11x42mmR round which gave less recoil in the shorter, lighter weapons.

The initial Brazilian Comblain rifle issued was the M1873 Modelo I, a close copy of the Belgian M1870 Garde Civique model, but with a fully steel action and featuring a shrouded hammer. The follow-on Brazilian Comblain order became the Modelo II (M1874), which incorporated some modest differences in the end of the operating lever, added a safety mechanism to the right side of the trigger housing, and added handguard to the top of the barrel between the lower barrel band and the receiver. This Modelo II became known as the “Brazilian Model” and was the basis of what the Brazilians denominated the Modelo III M1878 and Modelo IV M1885 rifles, which are all either based on, or alterations of, the M1874 rifles. A final distinct model rifle was ordered in 1889 (Modelo V) from a German manufacturer about the time of the expiration of the Comblain patent. This rifle was chambered for a new, more powerful 11x53R cartridge, however as many as half of the M1889s were later re-chambered, perhaps for economic reasons relating to existing stockpiles of earlier ammunition, to accept the earlier Brazilian Comblain cartridge, and these were designated as the Modelo VI (M1891).

Brazilian mosquetaos (carbines) were the M1873 with an action as from the first Modelo I rifle, the M1888, and the M1892, both with the "Brazil" pattern actions. These were chambered in 11x42R.

The arrival of smokeless powders in the 1890s gave rise to efforts to upgrade the various Comblains in inventory to a modern small-bore cartridge. Some M1885 rifles were converted to a special 7.7mm cartridge.

In 1893, Brazil purchased several small batches of German Model 1888 “Commission” Rifles from Steyr in Austria, but the first smokeless rifle to be fully adopted by the Brazilian Army was the Mauser Modelo 1894.

A carbine conversion of some existing Brazilian Comblains to a 7x57mm smokeless cartridge was a re-barrel using a Mauser M1894 barrel and was known as the Model 1895.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(Common to all Brazilian Comblains)

For all models of the Brazilian Comblain, the hammers lack a cocking spur, as the hammers are housed within a shroud. This makes them some of the first concealed hammer guns. Like the Chilean Comblain, these variants’ lower tangs are a separate piece 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. The rear sling swivels are attached to a separate plate which itself is attached to the lower front of the receiver.

The Brazilian family of Comblains were always supplied blued, even the police weapons. (above Information Credit: Sr. Homero F. de Castro)

All versions of Brazilian Comblains are fitted with a locking mechanism on the lower tang which serves to hold the operating lever closed. The shape and specifics of the mechanism evolved between the differing versions/contracts of Brazilian rifles (see below).

M1870 bronze action Comblain rifle showing the lower sling swivel mount being a separate piece from the receiver (Also visible on the lower right is the integral casting of the lower tang)

The view of the 1st Brazilian Comblain showing the lower sling swivel mount being a separate piece from the receiver, as with the 1st Belgian model.

This depicts the absence of a lower sling swivel at the receiver as this is a photo of the m1882 Brazilian guard civic Comblain which had its sling swivels mounted along the comb of the buttstock and below the center band, not the forward band.

This illustrates the saber bayonet lug and tenon carried by all Brazilian Comblains which mount a variation of the overwhelmingly common in this era M1866 French Chassapot yatagan bayonet. Also illustrated is an original Comblain cleaning rod which are frustratingly scarce and difficult to come by.

OPERATING MECHANISM

Identical to the Belgian Comblains. The action being lowered ... "Sliding Block Action" is probably the best term for the Comblain's unique breech-block movement.

BRAZILIAN COMBLAINS:

There is no question that differentiating among the various Brazilian Comblain rifles and Carbines can be daunting. The six white on black blocks at the very top of this page will automatically bring you to each of the six major Brazilian rifle models. Use the links immediately below to also jump to the rifles, and also to the Brazilian Comblain Carbines. To attempt to keep the various models straight, this listing may prove a useful guide:

M1873 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo I Carabina 1873)

M1874 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo II Carabina 1874)

M1878 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo III Carabina 1878)

M1885 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo IV Carabina 1885)

M1885 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo V Carabina 1885)

M1889 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo VI Carabina 1889)

M1873 Brazilian Comblain Artillery and Engineer Carbine (Comblain Modelo I Mosquetao 1873)

M1892 Brazilian Comblain Artillery and Engineer Carbine (Comblain Modelo IV Mosquetao 1892)

Modelo 1

M1873 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle

(Comblain Modelo I Carabina 1873)

M1873 Comblian Model 1 Infantry Rifle (1873 Modele 1 Carabina)

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(of the Modelo I Carabina 1873)

The initial order of Comblains by Brazil became known as the "Modelo I Carabina of 1873" with a total quantity of roughly 9,000 rifles. These were manufactured by G. Mordant and Pirot & Fesart. These rifles were all steel with a hammerless action also called shrouded. The lower tang is detachable unlike the Belgium models. The firing pin is very similar to the M1871 Belgium Carbine. The right side has the stamping of (NC) surrounded by an oval. The rest of the fittings are bronze (buttplate, barrel bands, end cap). It is chambered for the standard 11x50R Belgium cartridge.

The first of the Brazilian version Comblains are noteworthy in that you will not find any evidence of an upper handguard ever having been mounted (no telltale slots in the upper side of the forearm), nor that a safety was ever fitted to the trigger housing.

An original first model will also not have a lock screw added to the left side of the receiver (it will carry only its 3 original screws).

The Modelo I is very much like the Belgian M1870 Garde Civique rifle with the bronze action, except that the Brazilian rifle is manufactured with an all steel action. Like the Belgian, the Brazilian is fitted with brass or bronze buttplate, barrel bands and nosecap.

Perhaps the most initially obvious feature of the first model is the prominent bulge at the back end of the operating lever which clicks into a rather shallow latch mounted to the comb of the buttstock. In this regard it is more similar to that of the Belgian M1870 bronze Comblains or the later M1882 Belgian and M1882 Moroccan versions' levers. This swelled end is lacking in the levers of later Brazilian variants.

If markings can be found, the upper left flat of the barrel may be marked with an inspector’s stamp featuring a crown above initial. After 1877 this particular mark because a star above initial (see MARKINGS, below).

Detachable lower tang which is affixed to the receiver via a screw from either side, its firing pin as the one appearing on the Belgian M1871 cavalry carbine.

Photo Credit: Adler Homero Fonseca de Castro

This is the view of the Modelo ones clean trigger housing showing no indication of a safety slide. This is presumably what a M1878 Modelo 3 would look like as they were not produced with a safety, but note that we have never observed a confirmed m1878 version.

ABOVE m1873 Brazilian Comblain Modelo 1 showing the three transverse screws of the receiver as well as the bulge or swell at the end of the operating lever and it's operating level latch.
BELOW a m1874 Brazilian Comblain Modelo 2 showing the squared off end of the operating lever and its new operating lever latch and also showing that it has been modified to a Modelo 4 by the addition of a locking screw in the receiver to prevent the operating lever transverse screw from inadvertently backing out.

a view of the Modelo ones operating lever and retaining latch a fixed to the lower tang.

MARKINGS

(of the Modelo I Carabina 1873)

The right side of breech block is marked exactly as most all Liège produced Comblains, see for example M1870 Belgian Comblain

Crowned Inspector’s Mark, used before 1877

Top barrel flat showing Manufacturer’s name, here: Pirlot & Presart

Modelo 2

M1874 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle

(Comblain Modelo II Carabina 1874)

This rifle was originally a Modelo II carabina that was subsequently altered to Modelo IV

Similar to the Modelo I Carabina, the Modelo II Carabina has an all-steel action with the same hammerless/shrouded action. All of the fittings are bronze as on the Modelo I and it uses the same 11x50R Belgium cartridge. The Modelo II has a wooden hand guard secured by two steel clips attached to the handguard. It also has a safety on the right side of the main spring housing that is slides vertically. Later revisions removed this, so it is very rare to find. The underlever is simplified and finally the hammer is equipped with a removeable firing pin/striker combination. Note that this rifle has been subsequently converted to Modelo IV standards (discussed below) but was originally a Modelo II. Original Modelo IIs (and Modelo IIIs) are scarce.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(of the Modelo II Carabina 1874)

comblain brazilian mod 2 1874 joesal_009.jpg

This rifle began life as a Modelo II carabina 1874 which was later upgraded to Modelo II/IV standards by removing the safety lever and adding a lock screw to the left side of the receiver. Original, unaltered Modelo II rifles are quite scarce. via www.littlegun.be

Dimensionally, the M1874 is identical to the M1873, being substantially just additional orders of the first series of rifles. However, there were several “improvements” to the rifle for this subsequent order.

The second model Brazilian Comblain rifle differs from the first in that it was fitted with a handguard atop the barrel between the receiver and first barrel band, a sliding safety button on the right side of the trigger housing (later removed from most Brazilian Comblains), The bulge or large swell at the end of the operating lever was removed leaving only a squared off end with a slight detent in it to catch a now subsequently modified lever locking mechanism similarly mounted on the lower tang.

Photo Credit: Adler Homero Fonseca de Castro

Photo Credit: Adler Homero Fonseca de Castro

This shows a ModeloII converted to Modelo IV from which the safety slide button has been removed. It is believed that a Modelo III would not show the slot or smaller hole in the trigger housing.

comblain brazilian mod 2 1874 joesal_003.jpg

A handguard was added to the 2nd pattern Brazilian Comblains and so is a feature of all modified Modelo IIs (i.e., the Modelo IIIs and IVs)

The Modelo II (M1874), incorporated some differences in the end of the operating lever, added a safety mechanism to the right side of the trigger housing, and added a handguard to the top of the barrel between the lower barrel band and the receiver.

Left M1873, Right M1874, Please note that the actual safety lever on the trigger housing of the M1874, a lever which would slide up and down to engage and release, has been removed from this M1874, which is one of the “features” that constitute the Brazilian Modelo IV changes. While we might refer to this rifle more properly as a Modelo II/IV, the Brazilians now designate it merely as a Modelo IV, but it started life as a Modelo II.

This is a photo of the left side of the receiver of a Modelo II Brazilian Comblain which has NOT been converted to the Modelo IV standard by having a lock-screw installed securing the transverse screw, as you will see below under Modelo IV.

Depicting a view of the Modelo II's operating lever end and it's distinctive level latch

MARKINGS

(of the Modelo II Carabina 1874)

To the best of our knowledge, the Modelo II M1874s are marked exactly as the 1st models, except for makers’ markings on the top barrel flat and, if present, the buttstock cartouches.

EM & L Nagant a LIEGE

Another “Crown over Inspector’s Mark” believed to denote a pre-1877 manufacture

comblain brazilian mod 2 1874 joesal_016.jpg

Buttstock cartouche of the manufacturer (EM & L NAGANT LIEGE) and date (1874) of a Modelo II Brazilian Comblain

Modelo 3

M1878 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle

(Comblain Modelo III Carabina 1878)

We do not have a photo of a positively identified original M1878 Modelo III. If you know of one, please do let us know.

The Modelo III contract of 1878 is difficult to easily distinguish visually from the second contract M1874 rifles as the M1874s and the M1878s are virtually identical. By the time that the Modelo III appeared, it was apparent that the safety was superfluous and thus it was simply abandoned.

There remains some ambiguity regarding the style of the operating lever latch if it might be different between 2nd and 3rd contract Brazilian Comblains as photos of various models show somewhat different latches (see photo with arrows, above), but this might be the result of different manufacturers within the syndicate opting for minor variations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(of the Modelo III Carabina 1878)

Most obvious would be that the safety has been abandoned from the trigger housing, with virtually all of them having been removed from the earlier M1874 Modelo IIs in any event.

We have not yet seen a Brazilian Comblain that we were able to positively identify as Modelo III. We would, however, >expect< that an original, unmodified third contract Brazilian Comblain of 1878 would exhibit the later style operating lever, coupled with a trigger housing showing no telltale holes of there ever having been a trigger safety machined for and installed. We believe that the trigger housing should look very closely like that of the first contract Modelo I 1873 Brazilian Comblains.

See the photos of the Modelo I’s trigger and housing side-by-side that of the Modelo II in the above section.

Note that some Modelo III handguards may have been fitted with a metal reinforcement at the back of the handguard, but we have not yet seen this and this element is not dispositive by itself.

Photo Credit: Adler Homero Fonseca de Castro

This is a photo of a much later British Lee-Enfield rifle showing an upper handguard with metal reinforcement at the back of the handguard. If such were fitted to any Brazilian Comblains, we would expect the reinforcement to be of brass rather than steel like the rest of the fittings, but to date we have been unable to confirm this feature at all.

MARKINGS

(of the Modelo III Carabina 1878)

According to Jonathan Kirton (The Comblain Rifle, pgs. 49-50), the Modelo II contracts and Modelo III contracts are differentiated by the inspector marks on them. Any marking done before January 1877 would have the inspector stamp topped by a crown; thereafter it would have an inspector stamp topped by a five-point star.

Pre 1877

Not easy to see, but the Post January 1877 inspectors marks showing the 5-pointed star above the inspector initial (note that the “1812” is a serial number and not a year number). Thus, this rifle is almost certainly a Modelo III M1878 that has been updated to Modelo IV by having the Modelo IV lock screw installed on the left side of the receiver.

Modelo 4

M1885 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle

(Comblain Modelo IV Carabina 1885)

The final modifications of the M1874 "Brazilian Model" series of rifles came in 1885 with the Modelo IV. The majority of the Comblains in the Brazilian army were modified to the Modelo IV. There does not appear to be any Modelo IVs manufactured in Liège as they were all modified Modelo IIs or IIIs. A second lock screw was added to prevent the unscrewing of the underlever pivot screw. This was all done in Brazilian arsenals.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(of the Modelo IV Carabina 1885)

The M1885 Brazilian Comblain rifle (Modelo IV) is not in any sense a distinct model but rather is distinguished only by earlier Brazilian Comblain versions receiving the addition of a locking screw to the left side of the receiver to prevent inadvertent unscrewing of the underlever pivot screw. It is otherwise unchanged from its earlier parent Brazilian Comblain rifles.

It is presumed that the distinction between a Modelo II/IV and Modelo III/IV is that the Modelo II/IV would originally have had provision for a safety lever on the left side of the trigger housing which would have since been removed versus the Modelo III never having had such a safety lever in the first place, but otherwise being identical to the previous Modelo II

MARKINGS

(of the Modelo IV Carabina M1885)

Modelo IV rifles are altered Modelo II and Modelo III rifles, and thus would not have any distinctive markings but rather carry the markings of the original rifles' production.

Modelo 5

M1889 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle

(Comblain Modelo V Carabina 1889)

All photos of the Brazilian SUHL Comblain in this section are courtesy Matthew Middleton collection

By the mid-1880s Brazil was once again looking at purchasing additional new Comblain Rifles. And as Hubert Comblain’s patent for the Comblain design was shortly to be expiring; Brazil was free to source Comblain rifles from other manufacturers, and so shop for more modern/lower price options they did. Brazil elected to go with the lowest bidder, which was a new consortium in SUHL, Prussia. With the SUHL consortium able to copy the full range of Comblain designs, they elected to produce a rifle very nearly identical to the Belgian M1882 rifle, featuring the M1882’s receiver design and specifications except manufactured with Brazil’s ‘trademark’ shrouded hammer and some other small details (see below).

These rifles were also chambered for the new 11x53 R 1889 cartridge. This same cartridge was used in the Nordenfelt machine guns.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(of the Modelo V Carabina 1889)

The Modelo V of 1889 is a near identical copy of the M1881 Persian Comblain (and close copy of the Belgian M1882 Garde Civique Comblain) except for various minor features. Most readily apparent differences are its shrouded hammer, all brass/bronze fittings (buttplate, barrel bands and nosecap) and rear sight now including a right side extension for volley firing which is coupled to a volley fire front sight mounted to the right side of the front barrel band.

Notice that unlike all of the earlier Belgian manufactured Brazilian Comblains, the lower sling swivel follows the Persian M1881 pattern being an integral part of the receiver front. Also like the European built Comblains, the SUHL model does not incorporate an upper handguard, although this feature is retrofitted by the Brazilians when this pattern was later altered to the Modelo VI standards (see below).

M1881 Persian Comblain (blueing gone)

Notice the 3rd lock screw which would distinguish this version from the Persian M1881 even without markings.

Unlike the Belgian manufactured patterns (the M1881 Persian and the M1882 Belgian Garde Civique), the Brazilian SUHL Comblain adds a lock screw above and between the two screws on the left side of the receiver securing them in place. The lock screw placement locks both forward receiver screws, similar to but not identical with the “Brazilian Model” (1874 – 1885 series) Comblains, which only lock the forward most screw.

The shrouded hammer of the otherwise similar M1881 Persian Comblain

A view of the M1889 Modelo V SHUL Comblain showing the rear sight leaf extension to the right, utilized for volley firing.

Right: SUHL Modelo V Comblain

Left: This is a Brazilian Modelo II/IV (M1878). Compare to the SUHL Modelo V lock screw placement (Right)

The Modelo V is also distinguished by being chambered for a new, more efficient black powder cartridge but this is challenging to identify without chamber casting or trying to chamber known Brazilian cartridges to see which fit and which do not.

MARKINGS

(of the Modelo V Carabina 1889)

Modelo V rifles were acquired from a new Prussian consortium based in Suhl. This order featured a quite distinctive set of marking on both the bayonets and on the left side of the receiver of the rifles. These included a stylized trident, stylized “S” in an oval, the SUHL consortium’s oval marking and the C.G. Haenel cartouche on the left side buttstock. Also on the left side of the buttstock is an additional cartouche consisting of the Brazilian Imperial Crown over the letters IB in an oval. The “IB” denoting "Imperio do Brasil" (Empire of Brazil). (Note that the Empire ceased to exist in November, 1889, with Brazil becoming a dictatorial republic).

Photo Credit: Adler Homero Fonseca de Castro

Photo Credit: https://14bpm.com.br/

Vol 50 No 7 Dec 2004 The Gun Report, Page 37, reproduced at Kirtin, The Comblain Rifle, pg 87.

Modelo 6

M1891 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle

(Comblain Modelo VI Carabina 1891)

The Modelo VI was not a new rifle manufactured in Europe but rather was a local Brazilian modification of the Modelo V consisting of rechambering the rifle to accept the older Brazilian Comblain cartridge and by usually but not always adding an upper handguard. The new cartridge in the Modelo V appears to have caused some problems, not only with operation but with shortages in availability. Brazil still maintained a substantial stockpile of older 11x50R cartridges which were readily available. Modifying the Modelo Vs to allow for the usage of the 11x50R cartridge, not a difficult modification, allowed for the usage of already substantial stockpiles of existing ammunition. Nevertheless, it does not appear that all of the rifles from SUHL were converted so careful assessment is required to confirm chambering of any specific Modelo V pattern rifle.

The modification consisted of the chamber being reamed to fit the original 11x50R cartridge and slightly increasing the cartridge entry channel to allow for the larger rims of the older ammunition to fit. Similar to the Modelo IIs and IIIs, a wooden upper handguard was also added.

With Brazil adopting the M1894 Mauser and its newer smokeless round, there was some Comblains that were converted to shoot this new round. They were converted to shoot the 7x57mm Mauser. These converted rifles were not used by the Military but instead by the Military Police.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

(of the Modelo VI Carabina M1891)

The Modelo VI looks identical to the Modelo V on the outside with just the internal workings changed to accommodate the older 11x50R Cartridge, and the addition of an upper handguard on at least some rechambered rifles.

MARKINGS

(of the Modelo VI Carabina 1891)

Identical to that of the SUHL Modelo V of 1889, indeed it IS the Modelo V, but with altered chambering.

SPECIFICATIONS, STATISTICS & DATA

M1873 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo I Carabina 1873)

Overall Length: 121 cm
Weight, empty: 4.16 kg
Rifling: 4-groove; RH
Sight: Ramp-and-leaf with slider, graduated from 300 to 1200 m

M1874 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo II Carabina 1874), M1878 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Brazilian Comblain Modelo III Carabina 1878), M1885 Brazilian Comblain Infantry rifle (Brazilian Comblain Modelo IV Carabina 1885)

Overall Length: 121 cm
Weight, empty: 4.28 kg
Rifling: 4-groove; RH
Sight: Ramp-and-leaf with slider, graduated from 300 to 1200 m

M1889 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Comblain Modelo V Carabina 1889) & M1891 Brazilian Comblain Infantry Rifle (Brazilian Comblain Modelo VI Carabina 1891)

Overall Length: 127 cm
Weight, empty: 4.26 kg
Rifling: 4-groove; RH
Sight: Ramp-and-leaf with slider, graduated from 400 to 2000 m

SHORT RIFLES, CARBINES & SPECIAL VERSIONS

M1873 Brazilian Comblain Artillery and Engineer Carbine (Comblain Modelo I Mosquetao 1873)

1873

An estimated 3,000 carbines were purchased by Brazil, and primarily used by the engineers and artillery. They are more commonly found today. Like the M1873 rifle, the carbine action is all steel with a shrouded hammer and a detachable lower tang. It has the same markings as the rifle and was chambered for the 11x42mm Carbine Cartridge.

1892

M1892 Brazilian Comblain Artillery and Engineer Carbine (Comblain Modelo IV Mosquetao 1892)

The Modelo IV existence has been found in the Brazilian Arsenal records concerning repairs done to this model. These carbines would have been made in Belgium with only slight differences to the Modelo I. It has an intergal lower tang and the upper tang has one less wood screw in the buttstock. The barrel length is identical.

Picture of the upper tang only having a single screw. Credit: gunaction.com

BAYONETS

(for carabinas/Rifles)

Modelo I Rifle Bayonet

The Modelo 1873 bayonet is a yataghan sword bayonet that is almost identical to the 1866 French Chassepot Bayonet. This bayonet was manufactured by Alexander Coppel of Solingen, Germany. There is a serial number on the steel cross guard. These serial numbers are believed to correspond with the rifles B.N. There is also a trademark of Alexander Coppel on the ricasso.

Photos Credit: Michal Novotny

Modelo II, III & IV Rifle Bayonet

Modelo V & VI Rifle Bayonet

The 1888 bayonet was also manufactured by Alexander Coppel in Germany and has his trade mark on the left ricasso. There is also an "IB" marking with a crown on top that was the marking for "Imperio do Brasil" (Empire of Brazil). These bayonets are not serial numbered.

Photos Credit: https://bayonetsonline.com/

CARTRIDGE

11mm Brazilian Comblain aka, 11x53R, 11.4x53R and 11mm Comblain M1874: The Modelo I through IV used the original M1867 Belgian 11x50 R round. The Modelo V was converted to use the new 11x53 R Modelo 1889 cartridge and then converted back to using the 11x50R.

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: M1889 11x53R

Bullet diameter: 11.48mm
Neck diameter: 12.54mm
Base diameter: 14.93mm
Rim diameter: 17.32mm
Case length: 51.3mm
Total length: 66.54mm
Total weight: 72 grams

Left: 11x42 Carbine Cartridge,Middle: 11x53 M1889 Cartridge, Right: 11.4x51R, Photos Credit: https://militarycartridges.com/ & https://naboje.org/

DIMENSIONS: M1873 Carbine Catridge 11x42 R

Bullet diameter: mm
Neck diameter: mm
Base diameter: mm
Rim diameter: mm
Case length: mm
Total length: mm
Total weight: grams

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

Brazilian Comblains were manufactured from many different factories in the Belgium Consortiums, along with a consortium in Suhl, Germany. (E. D. Malherbe;EM & L. Nagant; Beuret Freres;VCS CGH, Suhl ;G.Mordant;J A & C ;Pirlot & Fresart). Most of the Nagant rifles and carbines are of the later patterns (4, 5 & 6) bought after 1885.