Scarce French Minié -Cordier percussion training rifle. Overall length is approximately 49”. The 16¼” round .50 caliber barrel has a fine, bright bore with strong rifling. The serial number, 116, is matching on the barrel and action. These unusual rifles were manufactured by Cordier & Cie of Paris. The barrel ends a little ahead of the forend tip and the nipple is mounted horizontally on the right side. It is struck by the rod that extends back to the hammer which is mounted to a lock mechanism contained within the stock. This moved the nipple further from the cadet’s face and firing reduced charges in the hope of preventing the cadet from developing a flinch; thereby, allowing them to learn proper marksmanship. It has a traditional military style blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight (graduated to 1100!), “C.C.” on top in an oval, oval “C” and “Minie BTE/ S.G.D.G.” markings below the bolster, serial number on the barrel and long upper tang. The metal has a smooth light brown patina. Stock is good with minor slivers absent from the rod channel and minor storage dents and dings. The action functions correctly. These French training rifles are rarely found in the U.S.