Napoleon's rifle, France 1807, 1080L

Reproduction of a flintlock rifle with Napoleon's insignia on the grip, made of metal and wood with a simulated loading and firing mechanism.

Flintlock rifles had a flint stone, which when the hammer was pulled produced a spark that ignited the gunpowder. This type of weapon required manual reloading of its ammunition after each shot. The ammunition, which was introduced through the muzzle, consisted of gunpowder, projectile and a paper wad, which served as a plug to keep the two previous ones compressed inside the barrel.

Rifles could be more accurate than pistols and gave a longer effective range. However, the loading and firing sequence was complex, so during training recruits were required to repeat these movements until they could be performed instinctively in the tension and confusion of combat. In theory, a well-trained soldier could fire five rounds per minute, but in combat a rate of two or three rounds per minute was normal, or less if the engagement was prolonged.

The bullet's trajectory was imprecise and it was impossible to aim properly during combat. The only way to ensure a certain effectiveness was to group a high density of rifles in a narrow front, firing in volleys as close as possible and at the shortest distance allowed. Even so, on many occasions, after firing, the combatants were forced to use the bayonet.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815, consolidated and instituted many of the reforms of the French Revolution. He is considered one of the greatest military geniuses in history, conquering most of Europe and leading highly successful military campaigns, albeit with some equally resounding defeats. His aggressive wars of conquest became the largest military operations known to date in Europe, involving a number of soldiers never seen before in the armies of the time.

Measurements: 110 cm
Weight: 2,000 g