This is a nice example of a massive "Wall Gun" or "Rampart Gun" manufactured in Belgium in the mid 1800s. Wall guns were rested on window ledges or mounted on walls as they were too heavy to be fired from the shoulder (this particular gun weighs approximately 32 1/2 pounds with an overall length of 61 3/4 inches). Research shows that a breech loading wall gun, such as this one, was issued to the French Army in 1819 for defense of towns. The barrel is dated "1866" on the left side near the breech and the breech end of the barrel is marked with various Belgium proof marks. The smooth bore barrel is equipped with a blade front sight with protective wings and an adjustable folding ladder rear sight with 4 to 13 graduations on the ladder and "200" and "300" markings on the left side of the base. Just ahead of the rear sight is a 360 degree swiveling pintle. The underside front of the frame is marked with a small "28". The rectangular steel breechblock contains the chamber and can be rapidly removed by deploying a lever on the frame. The breechblock is simply lifted out of the frame for loading. Mounted with a smooth half stock, with a steel pistol grip and buttplate, as well as "MANUFACT. D'ARMES/18 LIEGE 66" cartouche stamped on the right side. Included with the arm is a large hardwood transport case and a smaller wood display stand. The maker is identified by the consignor as Pierre Joseph Malherbe, a Liege gunsmith.