Mle 1853/67 Tabatiere

Go Back to Infantry Rifle

	Weapon: Mle 1853/67 Tabatiere Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1867 Caliber: 17.55mm Tabatiere Action: Hinged Breechblock Overall Length (mm): 1350.0 Overall Length (in): 53.15 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82 Effective Range (m): 200 m Effective Range (yards): 218.72

The Mle 1853/67 Tabatiere was a French breech-loading rifle converted from the earlier muzzle-loading Mle 1853 rifle. The conversion process involved installing a hinged breechblock that allowed the rifle to be loaded from the rear, significantly improving its rate of fire. The Tabatiere system was introduced in the 1860s as an interim measure until more advanced rifles could be developed.

The rifle was primarily used during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, where it served alongside more modern weapons. Although it was a significant improvement over older muzzle-loading designs, the Tabatiere was quickly outclassed by newer bolt-action rifles. Nevertheless, it played an important role in transitioning the French Army to breech-loading firearms.

Today, the Mle 1853/67 Tabatiere is considered a historically significant rifle, representing the shift from traditional muzzle-loaders to breech-loading systems in the mid-19th century. It remains a prized piece for collectors of antique firearms.