Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by Mutzig dated 1868 with Bayonet – Serial D 279.59 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.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 a real treat, from a very hard to find maker! The rifle is very faintly dated M.1868 on the nocks form, and is marked on the receiver MLE 1866. to the right of the manufacturer information:

MANUFACTURE IMPÉRIALE
Mutzig

This is the marking for Manufacture Impériale de Mutzig (also known as Manufacture d’Armes de Mutzig), the Imperial Arsenal in the French town of Mutzig, located in the Château des Rohan (The Castle of Rohan). The castle’s history dates back to the 13th century, and after the French revolution, it became a small arms factory, as the castle was disowned by the Rohan family and pillaged during the conflict. In 1799, it was bought by the arms manufacturers, brothers Coulaux of Klingenthal, Bas-Rhin, who, on April 20 1801, opened their weapons factory in its walls. It was at this factory that a native of Mutzig, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot, fabricated some of his famous rifles, one of the most advanced firearms of its time. Unfortunately, Mutzig is located in the often-contested eastern region of France, Alsace-Lorraine. Due to this the arsenal stopped producing in 1869, so all Chassepot rifles by this maker are extremely rare. This region was captured by Germany in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian war, and not returned until after WWI. Given the early date on this rifle, it is likely that Chassepot himself was involved with its manufacture.

The rifle is serial numbered D 279.59 on all parts of the bolt, barrel, and bayonet stand. The butt stock is unmatched, bearing serial number 29661, and the cleaning rod is marked with 44110. The action cycles well, though the leather chamber sealing washers are worn, and the end of the needle is broken off at the end of the bolt face. 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 aged gray patina, with wear throughout. The stock is in good used condition, showing possible arsenal refinishing, or just a lot of wear. There is a faded stock cartouche on the right butt stock, but it cannot be read.

Included with this rifle a correct issue Yataghan-Bladed Model M1866 Chassepot sword bayonet with steel scabbard. This bayonet is in good condition, with a nice blade with a peppery patina of age towards the point. The spine of the bayonet is marked St. Étienne 8’bre 1871, indicating manufacture at the arsenal in Saint-Étienne, during October 1871. There are also numerous proof marks on the blade and cross guard. The scabbard is completely straight, with no bends or major dents, with just a bit of rust on the blued exterior. Both the Bayonet and scabbard are marked with serial number 11888. The bayonet mounts on the rifle, but will not lock on all the way, probably due to not being fitted to this specific rifle.

This is a wonderful and unique example of a rare ignition system making it a rare and sought antique rifle. Very few of these were produced at Mutzig, and to still be in the original firing configuration is a real treat, especially with the bayonet. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1868
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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