Original French Model 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle Dated 1867 - Matching Serial No 52174 MG 42 Bolt & Barrel Assembly one notable dent at right

one notable dent at right wrist

Hawkes & Son would merge in 1930 with Boosey & Company

The rifle has been expertly restored to an excellent condition

seven brown large bakelite buttons

Original French Model 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle Dated 1867 - Matching Serial No 52174 MG 42 Bolt & Barrel Assembly one notable dent at rightOriginal 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