{"product_id":"original-french-fusil-modele-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-by-st-etienne-dated-1873-matching-serial-p-62872","title":"Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by St. Étienne Dated 1873 - Matching Serial P 62872","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example here is a real treat, and honestly one of the best we have ever had! The rifle is clearly dated \u003cstrong\u003eS.1873\u003c\/strong\u003e on the nocks form, and is marked on the receiver \u003cstrong\u003eMLE 1866\u003c\/strong\u003e to the right of the manufacturer information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSt. Étienne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the marking for \u003cem\u003eManufacture Impériale de St. Étienne\u003c\/em\u003e (also known as \u003cem\u003eManufacture d'Armes de St. Étienne\u003c\/em\u003e), the Imperial Arsenal at St. Étienne, located in southern France. The rifle is marked with serial number \u003cstrong\u003eP 62872\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side of the barrel, the left side of the butt stock, on both bolt components, and and on the bayonet stand, which makes this a lovely \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no parts swapped out over the years! The cleaning rod is no marked, and we even noticed that the date around the \"Holy Water Plug\" boxwood insert on the right side of the stock is \u003cb\u003eAVRIL \/ 1873\u003c\/b\u003e, so we see no evidence that any parts of the rifle were ever swapped out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is a bit of wear to the rifling, and we can see a bit of past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away. It looks to have only seen light use during its life, and was well cared for. The action cycles well, however like most we see, the needle is broken and the leather sealing washers are missing. It's somewhat surprising an example like this was not later converted to a Gras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 cleanin. 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. We did notice some cracking under the lower barrel band. Both sling swivels are present and move, but they are definitely a bit stiff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful example of a rare ignition system, making it a rare and sought antique rifle. Ready to add to your collection and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1873\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 11 mm (.433 inches)\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Pin-Fire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 51.6 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Bolt-Action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43039566594117,"sku":"ONSV25NCS119","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25NCS119__02.jpg?v=1751927731","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-fusil-modele-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-by-st-etienne-dated-1873-matching-serial-p-62872","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}