Original French Model 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle Dated 1867 – Matching Serial No 8092 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.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 dated 1867, and is a very early example of this rifle, making use in the Franco-Prussian war is very likely, as the manufacturer markings have been removed. This was usually only done on captured weapons. All of the other markings and cartouches are still present. 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 with what appears to be an intact needle, complete with the leather sealing washers in the bolt head. The rifle is serial numbered 8092 on all parts of the rifle except the cleaning rod, including all parts of the bolt, receiver, barrel, stock, sight, and others. 

The rifle bears French proofs along with French military and acceptance markings! 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.