Medals & Coins, Arms & Armour - 23rd November 2022
Lot 382
An 11mm needlefire shortened French model 1866 Chassepot rifle
Estimate £300 - £500 | Hammer £450
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Description
An 11mm needlefire shortened French model 1866 Chassepot rifle, a German States captured example, barrel reduced to 26 in., fore sight brazed onto the front barrel band, retaining original paper cartridge chambering and bolt head mounted rubber obturator, also retaining French markings and with additional German (possibly Bavarian) acceptance mark, originally manufactured at Châtellerault and so marked on the action body, serial number A 49970 repeated on the bolt and other parts. Obsolete chambering - no licence required in the UK.
The French Model of 1866 was a highly successful design. These rifles were captured in large numbers following the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, and adapted in a variety of ways.