INFANTRY CHASSEPOT RIFLE, model 1866, Manufacture of Châtellerault, Third Republic. 29952

INFANTRY CHASSEPOT RIFLE, model 1866, Manufacture of Châtellerault, Third Republic. Serial number 29952

Four-sided barrel with stamp "U 8584", dated "1868", marked "Épreuve des manufactures de l'Etat Châtellerault 1876, commission d'armement commerce 1870-1871, Mle 1866", serial number "X 15943", barrel length without bolt 79.2 cm, total length of the rifle 131 cm. Bayonet lug on the right side. Front sight on a cubic base. Hardened steel bolt, mobile and consisting of the forged cylinder, integral with the operating lever, firing pin sliding in a cylinder connected to the needle carrier by a T-sleeve.
Walnut stock with long butt stamped "X 159432", acceptance mark "MA REPARons de CHATEL S 1876".
All fittings in steel. Steel cleaning rod.

France.
Third Republic.
Perfect condition.

NOTE:
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, the army resorted to private suppliers to purchase weapons. Under the Third Republic, the weapons that were still usable were examined and marked by the Armament Commission of Commerce 1870/71, numbered in the X series. This series was created in 1872 for weapons intended for theoretical instruction.
Weapons that were not retained after testing and removed from service were classified as theoretical weapons and numbered X 1 to 20000 for Châtellerault, X 20001 to 40000 for St Etienne, and X 40001 to 60000 for Tulle.
These manufactures ensured refurbishment before the weapons were put into circulation for distribution among the troops.