Early interchangeability in French and Russian firearms

What is it about?

Most books on the history of firerams rarely mention their manufacture. Interchangeability - the ability to both quickly and easily assemble arms in the factory, and, more importantly repair them in the field without need for special fitting was a ground-breaking concept. It is widely attributed to American innovation under the title 'the American system of manufacture'. Whilst acknowledging it was pursued more extensively in the United States in the 19th century, this article argues that it had precedents in 18th century France and early 19th century Russia.

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Why is it important?

Interchangeability, achieved extensively through the mechanisation of the manufacturing processes and the employment of inspection gauges, orginated in the manufacture of military firearms. The gradual adoption of gunmaking technology for the manufacture of other products allowed them to be made more cheaply and thus available to a wider range of customers. It therefore gave birth to the 'consumer society' and provided the foundation of modern manufacturing.