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 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.

The 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Martini-Henry, and was obsoleted in 1874 with the introduction of the metallic cartridge Gras Rifle that was in turn superseded in 1886 with the Lebel Rifle.

Our example here is dated 1867, was manufactured in St. Etienne 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 11701 on all locations even the bayonet bar! The rifle bears French proofs along with French military and acceptance markings. This is a real "peach"!

This is a wonderful and unique example of a rare ignition system making it a rare and sought antique rifle.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.