Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by St. Étienne dated 1871 - Matching Serial L 79569 Receiver NOTE: Empty Carrier Only

NOTE: Empty Carrier Only

allowing the battery compartment to be examined

Comes complete with original optical sight with rubber sight cup

part of the 1st U-boat Flotilla

The black leather visor is in good condition retaining its shape without distortion but has crazing and shows some flecking

Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot Needle Fire Rifle by St. Étienne dated 1871 - Matching Serial L 79569 Receiver NOTE: Empty Carrier OnlyOriginal 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