{"product_id":"original-french-model-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-dated-1867-matching-serial-no-14248","title":"Original French Model 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle Dated 1867 - Matching Serial No 14248","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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur example here is dated \u003cb\u003e1867\u003c\/b\u003e, was manufactured in \u003cb\u003eSt. Etienne\u003c\/b\u003e and is in fine condition with a polished steel finish, un-blued, as it was originally issued. Needle firing pin is still intact and appears to be in good condition. The rifle comes complete with all matched serial numbers \u003cb\u003e14248\u003c\/b\u003e on all locations even the bayonet bar!  The rifle bears French proofs along with French military and acceptance markings. This is a real \"peach\"!\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.\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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26169017925,"sku":"ON9388","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/on9388__01.jpg?v=1600204549","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-model-1866-chassepot-needle-fire-rifle-dated-1867-matching-serial-no-14248","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}