POTD: The Third Best Needle Fire Rifle – The Carcano 1844/67 Needle Fire Carbine
Sam.S 04.12.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have our last needle fire conversion of the week. The Carcano 1844/67 was an Italian needle-fire rifle conversion developed in response to Prussia’s decisive use of Dreyse needle-fire rifles against Austria in 1866. Engineer Salvatore Carcano designed an affordable system that could modernize Italy’s aging Model 1844 muzzle-loading muskets. Carcano’s design, based on the improved Doersch-Baumgarten mechanism, involved cutting away the rear of the original barrel and adding a bolt to allow the use of paper cartridges. The first 18,000 Carcano 1844/67 conversions were made in 1867 for the elite Bersaglieri, followed by further models for the Carabinieri and artillery. While the Carcano 1844/67 offered modest performance gains over muzzle-loaders, it was merely an interim solution. Italy soon adopted the modern Vetterli bolt-action rifle, rendering the needle-fire conversions obsolete. Most were eventually scrapped, making surviving Carcano 1844/67 examples quite rare today. The conversion represents an important transitional design bridging the gap between outdated muskets and emerging breechloading technology.
“Very rare and unusual Italian Model 1844/67 Needle-Fire carbine with 24 inch rifled barrel with sabre bayonet lug attachment. The unique Doersch-Baumgarten system allowed the Italians to economically convert their existing muzzle loaders to the new self contained paper needle fire cartridges. These unique conversions have a decoking mechanism designed into the bolt and bolt lock system as well. These carbines were utilized by Border Guards while the longer variations were issued to Infantry. One piece walnut stock with brass retaining bands and trigger guard. Smooth steel butt plate. A shadow of the arsenal cartouche is evident on the right side of the butt stock but is not legible. A rack number (S 847) is stamped into the butt as well. The barrel, action, and small components have a tinned or nickel finish that appears to be period to the gun. CONDITION: Good as found. The bore is very good with strong rifling. The action is somewhat sticky and is believed to need a detail cleaning. The stock is full sized but is dry and needs a good oiling. The tinned finish is very good with over 90% remaining with losses at high points and edges. The brass has turned a mellow mustard coloring. The wiping rod is very fine and is believed to be a possible contemporary replacement. A very rare and uncommon needle fire rifle that very few collectors have ever seen outside of books.”
