Making the Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket: The Evolution of Gun Making, 1820-1860 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781036106850)

A variety of factors surround military firearms - they needed to be produced in large numbers to a standardised pattern at an affordable price. This book examines the transition from traditional hand-craft methods to the beginnings of mechanised manufacture using as examples the French Model 1777 and the Russian Model 1808 infantry muskets.

A number of factors led to this choice. The French Model 1777 musket, designed by Honor? Blanc working under General Gribeauval, contained many novel features which became blueprints for the arms of numerous countries and was copied in its entirety by Russia. Another factor is that they are the only firearms whose manufacture is covered in contemporary accounts. A third factor is that they provide contrasts in their methods of manufacture; the French 1777 musket was largely produced by hand-craft methods, whereas in Russia we see the beginnings of extensive mechanisation in the early 19th century.

Another important aspect which appears is 'interchangeability' - the ability to exchange identical parts of identical mechanism without 'special adjustment'. This is a vital factor at the foundation of modern manufacturing and first appears in early 18th century France, was pursued again by Blanc in 1777 and was picked up in Russia.

For the first time, all these 'technologies' are examined, explained, compared and contrasted in extensive detail.

Author: Peter G. Smithurst
ISBN-10: 1036106853
ISBN-13: 9781036106850
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Language: English
Published: 04/28/2025
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover