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 Franco-Prussian 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. During and after the conflict, about 665,000 Chassepot rifles had been captured by the German coalition that defeated France in 1871.

The Chassepot rifle of 1866 was a single shot bolt-action rifle and was among the best of its 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.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, and has a fantastic aged look to it, which we have left mostly intact to preserve the lovely patina. The rifle is clearly dated S.1873 on the nocks form, and is marked on the receiver MLE 1866 to the right of the manufacturer information:

This is the marking for Manufacture Impériale de St. Étienne (also known as Manufacture d'Armes de St. Étienne), the Imperial Arsenal at St. Étienne, located in southern France. The rifle is marked with serial number P 68655 on the left side of the barrel, on both bolt components, on the bayonet stand, and even on the cleaning rod! The left side of the butt stock however is P 70844, so at some point the stock was swapped out, most likely because the original was damaged. the date around the "Holy Water Plug" boxwood insert on the right side of the stock is MAI / 1873, so the stock was taken from a rifle very close in age.

The bore is in excellent condition, showing a mirror bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is very little evidence that it was ever actually used, and is very close to being "MINT"! The action cycles well, however like most we see, the tip of the needle is broken off and the leather sealing washers are missing. It's somewhat surprising an example in this fantastic condition was not later converted to a Gras.

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, showing light wear from cleaning. The stock is in very good condition, showing no major damage, just the expected dents and dings from service. The markings are still crisp. so we see no signs that it was ever arsenal reconditioned. There are even what look to be maker markings on the bottom of the butt stock. Both sling swivels are present and move, but they are definitely very stiff, the pivot joint clogged with dried grease and oxidation

Included with this rifle is a correct issue Yataghan-bladed Model 1866 Chassepot Saber bayonet with the correct steel scabbard, both of which are in very good service used condition. The blade is in very good shape, showing oxidation staining consistence with use in service, and the brass grip has a lovely mustard patina overall. The hooked quillon crossguard has a dull gray patina from oxidation. It is marked on the back with M're Imp'le de St. Étienne. Octobre 1867, indicating manufacture at the St. Étienne Arsenal in October 1868. It correctly mounts to the rifle, though for some reason it does not go on quite far enough to lock in to place, despite cleaning out the channels multiple times. The steel scabbard shows long use, and looks to have suffered oxidation, after which it was painted several times. There are various proof/inspection marks on the ricasso and guard, but no serial number, and there is not a serial on the scabbard either.

This is a wonderful and unique example of a rare ignition system making it a rare and sought antique rifle. Complete with bayonet and scabbard, this rifle is ready to research and display!

Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 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

Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade Length: 22 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edge "Yataghan" w/ Fuller
Overall length: 27 1/2“
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard: 23 1/8"

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.