Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by St. Étienne Dated 1872 with Excellent Bore - Matching Serial P 715

Original Item: Only One Available. Despite the fact that the French needle fire Chassepot rifle was far superior to the needle fire Prussian Dreyse rifle, the French took a swift and decisive beating in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. In fairness to the French, the defeat was due to Napoleon III's foolhardiness in allowing himself to get captured at the Battle of Sedan and the show was then over. During and after the conflict, about 665,000 Chassepot rifles had been captured by the German coalition that defeated France in 1871.

The Chassepot rifle of 1866 was a single shot bolt-action rifle and was among the best of its kind in 1866. It was quickly surpassed, principally by the British Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.

Our example here is a real treat, and honestly one of the best we have ever had! The rifle is clearly dated S.1872 on the nocks form, and is marked on the receiver MLE 1866. to the right of the manufacturer information:

St. Étienne

This is the marking for Manufacture Impériale de St. Étienne (also known as Manufacture d'Armes de St. Étienne), the Imperial Arsenal at St. Étienne, located in southern France. The rifle is marked with serial number P 715 on the left side of the barrel, the left side of the butt stock, on both bolt components, and on the bayonet stand. Even the cleaning rod is marked with P 715, which makes this a lovely "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! We also noticed that the date around the "Holy Water Plug" boxwood insert on the right side of the stock is 1872 (month is worn away), so we see no evidence that any parts of the rifle were ever swapped out.

The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, and little sign of wear of any kind. There is just a bit of light surface staining near the muzzle from exposure to the elements, making this one of the best bores we have ever seen on a chassepot. It looks to have only seen light use during its life, and was very well cared for. The action cycles well, and it actually looks like the needle on this example might be complete! The bolt is however missing the leather sealing washers that help prevent gas escape. It's somewhat surprising an example like this was not later converted to a Gras.

The rifle bears French proofs along with French military and acceptance markings. These are present on most of the metal components of the rifle, which have a lovely polished bright patina, with some evidence of past staining, now removed. The stock is in very good condition, showing no major damage, just the expected dents and dings from service. The markings are still crisp. so we see no signs that it was ever arsenal reconditioned, though the right side butt stock looks to have gotten some denting, which was smoothed out, partly removing the cartouche. Both sling swivels are present, though they look to be frozen with old grease, and we did not attempt to free them to avoid damage.

This is a wonderful example of a rare ignition system, making it a rare and sought antique rifle. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1872
Caliber: 11 mm (.433 inches)
Ammunition Type: Pin-Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 51.6 Inches
Action: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot

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