20444209

PRE 1900 (No license or registration required) 

This is a nice and rare example of an original British Kynoch Gun Factory–converted French Chassepot M1866 rifle in .43 Mauser.  

The rifle presents in good condition. It is fully matching and displays both markings of the previous French manufacturer as well as those of the Kynoch factory in the UK. The action functions smoothly and as intended. Moving on to the barrel, the barrel is in extremely good condition and is for the most part still shiny. The wood is in good condition as well and appears to be free of any significant cracks. The rifle is free from any rust however it has lightly peppered pitting throughout, but this is expected for the age of the rifle especially seeing as this most likely would have seen action during the Franco-Prussian War over 130 years ago. The rifle also comes with the original bayonet. The bayonet is also in very good condition and has a elegant inscription along the spine with the manufacturer's name along with date of production as well as being serialized and maker marked.   

Historical Significance: After France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871, the French government blamed much of their loss on the Chassepot’s unreliable needle-fire system. Convinced they needed a centerfire metallic cartridge system, France awarded a contract in 1873 to the Kynoch Gun Factory in Aston, UK, to convert their remaining Chassepot rifles. 

These converted rifles were designated the Chassepot Model 1873 . In 1874 France adopted the Gras Model 1874 rifle, though Kynoch continued converting Chassepots into the late 1870s. Many of these converted rifles were later brought back into service during World War I. 

All in all, this is a very nice and rare piece of history. Example of these rarely come up on the market and would make a excellent addition to your historical firearm collection or something nice for the wall.

(More detailed photos available)  

This is considered a PRE 1900 firearm in the state of Victoria and does not require a license or registration to possess. Please check your state's rules and regulations.