The "French .58 caliber rifle musket", as described in the excellent book Firearms from Europe was a bit of enigma to collectors for many years. Loosely based on French patterns, these guns all share the same .58 caliber rifled bore; differing from the standard French caliber of .69. It wasn't until the relatively recent discovery of additional US Ordnance Department Records that it was determined that these "French" guns were actually made in Belgium, and were part of an order placed by US arms contractor John Pondir.
It appears Pondir's request to have the muskets made in .58 caliber was very deliberate - the US Ordnance Department only allowed .58 caliber guns to be classified as "First Class Arms", while the lower quality import arms, especially the obsolete and large caliber smoothbore weapons were classified as Second an Third Class guns. These lower quality arms tended to be priced a around $8 to $12 each; but the higher quality, current production, First Class arms in .54-.58 caliber (like the P-1853 Enfield and the Austrian M-1854 Lorenz) were usually priced between $15 and $25 each, depending on pattern and condition. According to US Ordnance Department records, John Pondir delivered 3,241 “French Rifle Muskets’ to the US Government between January 10 and March 28 of 1863, at prices that ranged from $20.16 to $24.96 each. The price paid, combined with the fact the guns were rifled and .58 caliber, would certainly indicate that the "Pondir Rifles" achieved the coveted "First Class" status.
Little is known about the Pondir rifles; other than the fact that they are encountered in both a "musket" configuration with a 40" barrel, as well as a "rifle configuration with a 33" barrel and saber bayonet. Additionally, it appears that the majority of the shorter rifle-length guns were sold to the state of New Jersey; as nearly all surviving examples are found with "NJ" stamped on the barrel and the left counterpane of the stock.
This particular Pondir rifle is in excellent shape, and even includes its original saber bayonet - an extremely rare accessory which is seldom encountered!
This rifle is all original from top to bottom. The stock is in great shape and shows some evidence of some light refinishing. As a result, the original "NJ" oval cartouche is very faint, but can still be seen when examined in the right light. Structurally, the stock is sound with no major cracks or other damage. There is a small repair in front of the trigger guard (see photos)
The lock is good with no major rust or pitting. The action is flawless and holds solid on both full and half cock.
The barrel is original and full length. The bore is quite good with sharp rifling and no major rust or pitting, but some darkness in the grooves. There is some wear at the muzzle from ramming.
The furniture is all original and matching. Included with the gun is an original bayonet which is correct for the rifle and fits wonderfully.
This rare rifle is a great choice for any Civil War Collector looking for something "a bit different" for his collection.
