{"product_id":"original-french-fusil-modele-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-by-tulle-dated-1868-matching-serial-r-58369","title":"Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by Tulle dated 1868 - Matching Serial R 58369","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 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example here is a real treat, and honestly one of the best we have ever had!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\u003eT.1868\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\u003cstrong\u003eMANUFACTURE IMPÉRIALE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTulle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the marking for \u003cem\u003eManufacture Impériale de Tulle\u003c\/em\u003e (also known as \u003cem\u003eManufacture d'Armes de Tulle\u003c\/em\u003e), the Imperial Arsenal at Tulle, located in central France. The rifle is serial numbered \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR 58369\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e on all major parts of the rifle, including all parts of the bolt, barrel, stock, and bayonet stand. Even the cleaning rod is matched, though the marking is worn! The bore is excellent, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There is little sign that this rifle was ever used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe action cycles well, and has intact leather sealing washers on the bolt, as well as an intact needle that isn't broken off. It's very rare to find these still in this intact condition! \u003c\/span\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, with wear throughout. The stock is in good used condition, with the expected dings, dents, and gouges from age and service. However, it still has a mostly legible cartouche on the right side of the stock, with a date of \u003cstrong\u003eSEPTEMBRE 1868\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eMI\u003c\/strong\u003e marked on the wood insert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful and unique example of a rare ignition system making it a rare and sought antique rifle. Ready to display! 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: 1868\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: \u003cspan\u003e11 mm (.433 inches)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: \u003cspan\u003ePin-Fire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 51.6 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: \u003cspan\u003eBolt-Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39568038068293,"sku":"ONDB21006","price":1595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONDB21006__01.jpg?v=1633707390","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-fusil-modele-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-by-tulle-dated-1868-matching-serial-r-58369","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}