Original French Fusil Mle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by Rare Maker Cahen-Lyon et Cie – Dated 1867 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.

Our example here is marked 1867 on the barrel knoxform, indicating 1867 manufacture, only the second year that the Chassepot was in production. The receiver is marked with the name of a very rare contractor who produced these rifles, CAHEN – LYON et Cie., as well as with MLE 1866. Cahen-Lyon was a private firm that the French government contracted to meet the increased demand while the new factory at St-Etienne was being completed. Cahen-Lyon, in turn, subcontracted to various European manufacturers, which were noted in script on the receiver. Most of the inscription below the marking is missing, however it looks to have been a company in the Belgian City of Liège, known for its firearms manufacturing.

To the Left of the markings are additional script markings: Epreuve des Manufres. d’armes Châtellerault 1873, which indicates that the rifle was tested at the French Arsenal in Châtellerault in 1873. It was at this time most likely that the bolt was replaced, as the bolt has the C prefix serial numbers often seen on their rifles and parts.

The rifle is in good condition with a bare steel finish, un-blued, as it was originally issued, though it has acquired a gray patina over the decades, with some areas of light corrosion. The rifle comes complete with cleaning rod and a partly intact needle, though it is missing the leather sealing washers. The rifle is serial numbered U 80336 on the barrel and bayonet stand, though the rest of the serial numbers are not matching, due to refurbishment in 1873.

The rifle bears French proofs along with French military and acceptance markings. These are present on most of the metal components of the rifle. The bore is excellent and has clear lands and grooves with a bright finish. Stock is a dark brown color, and has the expected wear of age. It does not have many proofs or markings, and has a securing bolt across the wrist, where there is an old crack originating from the receiver tang.

This is a wonderful and unique example of a rare ignition system by an even rarer government contractor, with lots of interesting history and markings. This would be a great research opportunity. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1867 – Serviced at Châtellerault in 1873
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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