Excellent St. Etienne M1866 Chassepot Rifle

Description

11/17/25 - This is a St. Etienne M1866 Chassepot Rifle, a French breech loading service rifle developed in 1866 and used heavily during the Franco Prussian war. These were originally chambered in paper cartridges. Using an 11mm round-headed cylindro-conoidal lead bullet that was wax paper patched, an inverted standard percussion cap was at the rear of the paper cartridge and hidden inside. It was fired by the Chassepot's needle (a sharply pointed firing pin) upon pressing the trigger. Nearly all rifles of the older Chassepot models were eventually converted to take the 11 mm Gras metallic cartridge ammunition. However, this particular example, manufactured in 1872, is still chambered in the original needle fire configuration. It has all the proper French proof stamps. It is mostly matching, including the receiver, bolt assembly, bayonet lug, and stock. The front sight and cleaning rod are mismatched, and the sight is darker than the rest of the rifle. The metal is in excellent condition, with clean unblued surfaces and minimal areas of patina here and there. Wood furniture is also in great shape, with handling marks and small scratches and dings, but no cracks, repairs, or notable issues. Bore is spectacular, especially given the age of the rifle. Antique, so no licensing required.