Original French Model 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle Dated 1867 – Belgian Reworked Serial No 16920 Original Items

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 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.

The Chassepot rifle of 1866 was a single shot bolt-action rifle and was among the best of it’s 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.

Thousands of French Rifles were captured during the Franco-Prussian war, and then sold off by the Prussians. This particular very early production example is dated 1867 and was sold to Belgium, where it was completely rehabbed and resupplied for Military use, very possibly back to the French. The Rifle has been scrubbed of French markings and now shows LIEGE Proofs from Belgium. The serial numbers are somewhat mixed, another
sign of going through a Military rehab program.

The rifle is in fine condition with a polished steel finish, un-blued, as it was originally issued. The rifle comes complete with cleaning rod and a broken needle, though the leather sealing washers in the bolt head are still present. The rifle is serial numbered 16920 on the receiver, barrel, bayonet lug, and bolt components, but the other components are not matched.

Bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a bright finish. Stock is in great shape with some wear, but no major issues. This is a wonderful and unique example of a rare ignition system making it a rare and sought antique rifle.