Arcelin Mousqueton: An 1850s Breechloader with a Ludicrous Bayonet

Published on June 26, 2020
Duration: 13:10

This guide details the operation of the Arcelin Mousqueton, an 1850s French breechloader. It covers the single-shot bolt-action mechanism, manual cartridge loading, and the use of percussion caps. The video highlights the unique folding bolt handle and the significant fouling issues that plagued its design, leading to its rejection by the French Artillery Commission despite its adoption by the elite Cent-Gardes. Expert analysis from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides historical context and mechanical insights.

Quick Summary

The Arcelin Mousqueton was an 1850s French bolt-action breechloader designed for cavalry. It featured a folding bolt handle and used paper cartridges with percussion cap ignition. However, it was rejected by the military due to severe gas fouling issues that made the action difficult to operate and prone to breakage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Arcelin Mousqueton
  2. 01:21The Capping Breechloader Mechanism
  3. 02:02Operation and Loading
  4. 03:08Technical Flaws and Fouling
  5. 05:22Testing and Military Adoption
  6. 07:50The Ludicrous Saber Bayonet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Arcelin Mousqueton?

The Arcelin Mousqueton is a French bolt-action, breechloading firearm from the 1850s, designed primarily for cavalry use. It combined breech-loading with traditional percussion cap ignition and featured a distinctive folding bolt handle.

Why was the Arcelin Mousqueton rejected by the French military?

Despite its innovative breech-loading design, the Arcelin Mousqueton suffered from significant gas fouling issues. Powder residue would accumulate on the bolt's locking lugs, making it difficult to operate and prone to breakage, leading to its rejection by the Artillery Commission in 1856.

What was unique about the Arcelin Mousqueton's bayonet?

The Cent-Gardes version of the Arcelin Mousqueton was fitted with an exceptionally long and oversized saber bayonet. This design was intended to provide a defensive capability against enemy cavalry, allowing the soldier to engage a rider before being overrun.

How did the Arcelin Mousqueton load and fire?

It was a single-shot firearm loaded manually via the breech. A paper cartridge was inserted, the bolt closed and locked, and ignition was achieved by placing a percussion cap on an external nipple.

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