{"product_id":"original-french-fusil-modele-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-dated-1871-by-st-etienne-with-excellent-bore-and-leather-sling-matching-serial-m-33896","title":"Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle Dated 1871 by St. Étienne with Excellent Bore and Leather Sling - Matching Serial M 33896","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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example here is a real treat, and has a fantastic aged look to it, which we have left mostly intact to preserve the lovely patina. The rifle is clearly dated \u003cstrong\u003eS.1871\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\u003eM 33896\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left side of the barrel, on both bolt components, on the bayonet stand, and on the rear left of the buttstock. Even the cleaning rod is matched, and many of the screws are marked with shortened number \u003cstrong\u003e96\u003c\/strong\u003e! That makes this a great \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no parts swapped out over the years! The date around the \"Holy Water Plug\" boxwood insert on the right side of the stock is \u003cb\u003eNOVEMBRE \/ 1871\u003c\/b\u003e, though it is a bit worn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 very tip of the needle is broken off and the leather sealing washers are missing. It's somewhat surprising an example in mechanical condition this good 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 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. Both sling swivels are intact, but a bit stiff due dried grease and oxidation in the hinge joints. The attached sling is in very good condition, still supple and without any tears or major damage.\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. Complete with the original sling, this rifle is ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\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":45207802740805,"sku":"ONJR26MYMF128","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/5218C4D2-A84F-4C40-827C-DDAF52F2A6F7.jpg?v=1782330890","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-fusil-modele-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-dated-1871-by-st-etienne-with-excellent-bore-and-leather-sling-matching-serial-m-33896","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}