Origin: France.
Length 119 cm. Version is for the artillery with bayonet attachment.
The Chassepot, officially known as Fusil modèle 1866, was a bolt action military breechloading rifle, famous as the arm of the French forces in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/1871. It replaced an assortment of Minié muzzleloading rifles many of which were converted in 1867 to breech loading (the Tabatière rifles). A great improvement to existing military rifles in 1866, the Chassepot marked the commencement of the era of modern bolt action, breech-loading, military rifles.
Steel barrel with graded backsight, ending with bolt action lock. Lock is stamped “D 26442†and two oval stamps. Barrel near the backsight is stamped with letters “F†and “L†in circles, also with “C 1867†and head with crown in a circle. Metal parts are stamped with various other stamps. Wooden stock with two barrel holding iron rings, with bayonet attachment. Back of the stock with iron cover, and stamp with number on the wood. Metal finger guard and iron trigger.
Condition report: iron parts with traces of corrosion, some pitting, scratches and dents. All stamps are legible. Wood with cracks, scratches and dents.