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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.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 definitely a very interesting example! The rifle is clearly dated T. 1867 on the nocks form, however there are no markings on the left side of the receiver. This may indicate that this rifle is one of the thousands of Chassepot rifles captured during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871, as it was made during only the second year of production, and was doubtless in service at that time. It was very common for the maker markings to be removed from captured rifles.

The "T" before the date indicates that the rifle was made at Manufacture Impériale de Tulle (also known as Manufacture d'Armes de Tulle), the Imperial Arsenal at Tulle, located in central France. The rifle is serial numbered R 7800 on the left side of the barrel, on the left butt stock, and on the bayonet stand, while the bolt is numbered with G 46063 on both components. It looks like parts were swapped around quite a bit, typical among captured rifles.

The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is some wear, and the grooves definitely show some fouling and oxidation. It looks to have only seen light use during its life. The action cycles, however it definitely sticks at times with the bolt in the forward position. The leather washers are missing, replaced with a piece of rubber, and the needle is also missing.

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 very good condition, showing no major damage and only a few dents and dings. It has been arsenal reconditioned, which has removed just about all of the markings except for the serial number. It has a lovely dark brown color, showing great grain and even some figuring in places. Both sling swivels are present, though they move very stiffly, and the cleaning rod is missing.

Included with this rifle is a correct issue Yataghan-bladed Model 1866 Chassepot Saber bayonet with the correct blued steel scabbard, both of which are in very good light used condition. The blade is in great shape, with very little oxidation, 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 Avril 1868, indicating manufacture at the St. Étienne Arsenal in April 1868. It correctly mounts to the rifle and locks into place. The serial number on the crossguard is K82985, and there are various proof/inspection marks on the ricasso. The scabbard is in great shape, with the original blued finish very well retained, and just a few small dents. It is stamped with serial A 10326, so it does not match the bayonet.

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: 1867
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"

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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.

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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.