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 The gun was originally made as a Chassepot M.1866 needle rifle by the St. Etienne arsenal, as indicated by markings on the receiver and barrel. 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, bolt body and on the bolt cocking piece). Some parts are still displaying fading French serial, or assembly numbers. "Holy Water" plug is still in the buttstock, but it was over stamped with Prussian property marks (Gothic letter under the crown). The lower part of the buttstock also displays many Imperial German marks. The steel buttplate displays regimental markings, "L.C.X.243" and a number, "13". 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 condition. 85% of blue finish turning to brownish color. Occasional light patina. The receiver and bolt are finished in white (polished steel), as they should be, and now show some scattered patina. Scattered brown patina and/or light surface rust on the buttplate. The stock shows the usual handling marks, dings and scratches. Some wear to the wood near the buttplate and in front of the trigger guard (please, see pictures). Small hairline crack in front of the barrel band spring, on the right side of the forestock. Bore is in excellent condition, with strong and shiny rifling. The action works fine. The internal parts of the carbine are in fine condition with no obvious wear. Scarce Prussian issue Chassepot carbine with many interesting markings! Antique. Serial# H897XX.
