Chassepot Mle 1866

[zoobar]

Recently my collection got a little bit bigger, and this rifle is one of the reasons why. It is the oldest weapon in my ownership by model, Werndl 1867 was holding that title for quite some time now.
Rifle is dated 1870, has matching serial numbers and it is Gendarme model, curved bolt handle is the difference.

Being 1870 model, it is one of the first to be modernized and some features like sight, rear tang and cocking piece are different, although sight on mine is the same as on early production rifles and i dont know if it was changed on carbines.
There is great videos about it and its history on Forgotten Weapons, i learned a lot from it.

Last picture, stock plate has some marking, and i guess this is prussian marking as Prussian army captured and used quite some number of them. If anybody knows more, please write.

[Richard2]

Thanks for sharing! You don't see these rifles very often.

[Rescue190]

Nice rifle to add to the collection. Thank you for sharing.
John

[Grimebox]

Here’s mine. I don’t know a lot about it, my father brought it back from some Arabic country (most likely Oman or Saudi Arabia) in the 60’s/70’s. I keep meaning to try and get a bayonet for it.

[AndyB]

Nice pieces, the first one should be short rifle most real for special branch, possible Gendarmery rifle? the crown on buttplate doesnt look as german. the second is already a conversion M1866/74 for Gras cartridge.

[zoobar]

Yes, should be Gendarmery rifle, it has curved bolt handle.
Grimebox has Chassepot conversion like you sad