DESCRIPTION: Scarce Prussian military issue Chassepot M.1871 carbine. Caliber: 11 x 60 mm Mauser. The gun was originally made as a Chassepot M.1866 needle rifle by the Tulle arsenal, as indicated by markings on the receiver rail. Chassepot rifles gave an excellent performance to the French troops during the Franco-Prussian War. Yet, the war was lost to the French and hundreds of thousands of Chassepot rifles ended up in hands of Prussian military and its allies. Consequently, the Chassepot rifles were reworked by Prussian arsenals to cavalry style carbines. The needle mechanism was abandoned and the guns were converted to fire 11 mm Mauser ammunition, which, at the time, was standard in Prussian army. The French markings and proof marks are still present on the receiver. The left side of the chamber displays Prussian Crown over "FW" (Frederick Wilhelm, King of Prussia). The same markings are stamped on the right side of the buttstock. The right side of the chamber displays several Prussian proof marks (Gothic letters under the crown, please see pictures). Several other Prussian proof marks are stamped on the receiver and bolt. Matching Prussian serial numbers (stamped on the buttstock, nosecap, barrel band, rear sight, chamber, receiver, buttplate, trigger guard, rear sling swivel, bolt body and on the bolt cocking piece). Some parts are still displaying fading French serial, or assembly numbers. "Holy Water" plug is missing from the right side the buttstock (please, see pictures). The lower part of the buttstock also displays many Imperial German marks. The steel buttplate displays regimental markings, "R. S. 1. 192" and "3. S.". Ramp and leaf rear sight calibrated to 1500 meter. Full length cavalry style stock with no handguard. The carbine was manufactured with no provision for the bayonet. Complete with the cleaning rod. CONDITION: Overall, in NRA antique fine+ to low excellent condition. 90-92% of blue finish turning to brownish color in some places. The receiver and bolt are finished in white (polished steel), as they should be, and now show some scattered patina. Some scattered patina is also present on the buttplate. The stock shows some handling marks, light dings and minor scratches. No cracks in wood. Bore is in excellent++ condition, with strong and shiny rifling! The action works fine. The internal parts of the carbine are in fine to excellent condition with no obvious wear. Scarce Prussian issue Chassepot carbine with many interesting markings! Antique. Serial# R346XX.
