Honorary flintlock rifle of the first type by citizen Walmin. Round barrel with thunderbolts and breechblock both unmarked. Drum lock stamped "Bn01" "Manufr à Versailles" and Boutet bar in the spring. Battery foot with flange. Silver fittings hallmarked with 1st title (1799-1808), warranty (1799-1808) and "JM" silversmith. Back plate in the Directoire Guard pattern, with exploding grenade. Iron grenadière changed later. Walnut stock with engraved silver plate: "Le Premier Consul au Cen WALMIN Capal de la 96 1/2/ Bde de ligne, qui blessé grièvement à la bataille de Marengo et ne pouvant plus être compte au nombre des combattants dépassea encore la ligne de 50 pas en exhortant ses camarades à suivre son exemple". Barrel length: 108 cm - Overall length: 147 cm A.B.E. (Insect holes filled in). Iron keel rod. Consulate period. The barrel is unmarked and shows traces of having been percussion-fired and then re-flinted. The lock is entirely original. A bayonet with median ferrule and leather scabbard with brass cap is included. Length: 47.5 cm Historical background: Etienne WALMIN, born in Haute-Marne, sergeant in the 96th demi-brigade de ligne. Awarded a fusil d'honneur on 17 Vendémiaire An XI for having shown great valor at the battle of Marengo, where, although wounded, he continued to fight with his comrades. "Let's also mention the fine conduct of the 96° de ligne. Grenadier Sergeant Major Durand, Sergeant Durot, Fourrier Pluchard and Corporal Oudard, all four belonging to this half-brigade, were the first to bayonet a formidable position, which they climbed amidst machine-gun fire and rolling musketry, and from which they succeeded in flushing out the enemy, whose battalions were tumbled. Sergeant Boisson took command of his company, whose officers had perished during the battle, and guided his comrades through the thickest of the melee. Corporals Robert, Walmin and fusilier Ducoisy moved more than fifty paces beyond their battalion's line (which was not within half a rifle range of the enemy), to attack the enemy more closely. Walmin, who advances first, is already seriously wounded; Robert and Ducosy fire for a few moments; but hit in turn, they are forced to fall back."