Brazilian Comblain Modelo I
Liège Gunmakers (Belgian Trade) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1873
Also known as: Comblain M1873, Fuzil Comblain Modelo 1873, Carabina Modelo I
Overview
The Brazilian Comblain Modelo I is a single-shot falling-block military rifle adopted by the Brazilian Army in 1873, based on the Belgian Comblain designed by Hubert Joseph Comblain of Liège. Chambered for the 11mm Belgian (11x50R) black-powder cartridge, it uses an all-steel shrouded (hammerless) dropping-block action operated by an under-lever. The first pattern is distinguished by its all-bronze furniture, detachable lower tang, and the absence of an upper handguard, and served as the official Brazilian infantry rifle from 1873 until 1892.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4160 g (146.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1210 mm (47.64") |
| Barrel Length | 832 mm (32.76") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 430 m/s (1411 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2218 J (1636 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 11mm Belgian · primary — also known as 11x50R, 11.4x50R, 11mm Albini, 11mm Belgian Infantry
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock
- Features: Shrouded Hammerless Action, All Bronze Furniture, Detachable Lower Tang, Ramp And Leaf Sight 300 1200m
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Army · adopted 1873 · as Modelo I
Production
Estimated total produced: 9,000 · Production years: 1873-1874
Initial Brazilian order manufactured in Liège by G. Mordant and Pirlot & Fesart
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Designer: Hubert Joseph Comblain
Discontinued: 1892
Notes
Roughly 9,000 Modelo I rifles were produced by the Liège makers G. Mordant and Pirlot & Fesart. Later Brazilian patterns (Modelo II onward) added refinements such as handguard provisions and revised furniture. The Modelo I remained in regular Army service until about 1895.
Background
Brazil became one of the largest foreign users of the Comblain, and the rifles saw hard service on the frontier; the Modelo I's all-bronze fittings were a practical choice against corrosion in the country's humid tropical climate.