Comblain Model 1870
Liège Gunmakers (Belgian Trade) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1870
Also known as: Belgian Comblain, Comblain M1870, Comblain M1882
Overview
The Comblain Model 1870 is a Belgian single-shot falling-block breech-loading rifle designed by Hubert-Joseph Comblain of Liège and chambered in the 11mm Comblain black-powder cartridge. Its vertically-sliding breechblock, dropped and cocked by a single trigger-guard lever stroke, was a Belgian refinement of the American Sharps action. Early Belgian Garde Civique rifles used a distinctive phosphor-bronze receiver, while the steel-receiver Model 1882 became the standard infantry pattern. Though relegated to militia duty at home, the Comblain found frontline service abroad as a service rifle for Brazil and Chile.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Barrel Length | 832 mm (32.76") |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1300 m (1422 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 10 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
Calibers
- 11mm Comblain · primary — also known as 11.4x50R Comblain, 11x50mmR, 11mm Belgian Comblain
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Falling Block Action, Single Shot, Lever Actuated Breechblock, Phosphor Bronze Receiver Early Models
Variants
- Comblain Model 1882 — Steel Receiver Infantry
- Brazilian Comblain — Export Service Rifle
- Chilean Comblain — Export Service Rifle
Service history
Operators
- Belgian Garde Civique · adopted 1871 · as Model 1870
- Brazilian Army · adopted 1874
- Chilean Army · adopted 1874
Conflicts
- War of the Pacific (1879-1883)
- War of Canudos (1896-1897)
Production
Production years: 1870-1890s
Belgian Garde Civique issue plus large Brazilian and Chilean export contracts in the tens of thousands; no reliable single total documented
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Hubert-Joseph Comblain
Discontinued: 1900
Notes
No single manufacturer; produced by a syndicate of Liège gunmakers (Francotte, Malherbe, Beuret Frères and others) plus export makers such as Pieper and Nagant. The action_type enum has no falling_block value, so it is recorded as null and described in features.
Background
The early Belgian Comblain is one of the few service rifles ever fielded with a phosphor-bronze receiver, and Chilean Comblains saw heavy combat in the brutal trench and infantry actions of the War of the Pacific.