Original French Chassepot Modèle 1866/73 Bolt Action Rifle Centerfire Converted by Kynoch with Bayonet Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The French government converted their Chassepot Needle Guns to accommodate more modern ammunition after the original configuration proved itself to be unreliable in battle. For political and economic reasons, France did not select the patented Mauser conversion; instead, this work was carried out by the Kynoch Gun Factory of Aston, England.

In 1873, France contracted with the Kynoch Gun Factory of Aston, England to modify the existing Chassepot bolt for use with center-fire metallic cartridges. These modified rifles were designated the Chassepot Model 1873 rifle and can be identified by the stamped markings added to the barrel nocks form flats:

KYNOCH – GUN – FACTORY — ASTON

MUSKET – 43 – 77 – 380

The rifle is also marked with KYNOCH’S – PATENT on the left side of the receiver, and the barrel is marked on the left side with serial number X 32344. The bolt is serial numbered X 1336, which is pretty much the only other marking on the entire rifle. Condition is quite good, with a lot of the original blue still present on the barrel, and a nice worn stock with a great patina. The rifle cocks and dry fires correctly, however the extractor is missing, so the bolt can be pulled out of the rifle without removing the stop on the right side of the receiver. The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish. Like most of these rifles, they did not see much, if any, use in service.

Included with this rifle a correct issue Yataghan-Bladed Model M1866 Chassepot sword bayonet.. This bayonet is in good condition, with a nice blade with a peppery patina of age on the blade. There are numerous proof marks on the blade and cross guard. The crossguard is marked with serial number M 38293, however the spine is not marked with any manufacturer information. It may have been removed at some point.

A very interesting and collectible rifle, in very nice condition, complete with bayonet. Ready to add to your collection!

After France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871, the French government blamed their loss on the Chassepot rifle’s poor reliability on the battlefield. French officials were convinced of the need to adopt a metallic cartridge centerfire system, but for political reasons, they could not opt for the existing Mauser-Norris System due to the necessity of paying royalties to and having their existing Model 1866 Chassepots converted in Germany. In addition, conversion to the Mauser design required the use of an entirely new bolt.

IN 1874, the French-designed Gras bolt-action system was adopted by the French as the basis of their new Model 1874 Gras rifle. Many of the earlier unmodified Chassepot rifles were converted to the Gras bolt-action system and designated the Model 1866-74 rifle. As late as the First World War, the Chassepot remained in service, having been modified yet again to fire the smokeless 8mm Lebel cartridge, or for use as signal guns.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1868
Caliber: 11X60R .43 Mauser M1871 Cartridge
Ammunition Type: Pin-Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 51 1/4 Inches
Action: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.