French Chassepot Needle Fire

[colmurph]

ED. Does the attached look like your rifle? If so it's the Gras Chassepot mod. 1866 in 11x57 mm. Should have an india rubber obdurating ring around the front of the bolt that acts as a gas seal of sorts. Don't have a value as yet, but if you have one with an intact needle it's probably worth something. This was supposed to be an improvement on the Prussian Dreyese Needle Gun but neither were very practical. Most were converted in 1874 to fire a centerfire metallic cartrige.
To clean off the surface rust use a good oil and very fine steel wool. Do not sand the stock, if it is dirty...clean it with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth so you do not obliterate the markings in the wood. Do not apply "True Oil" to the stock. Just leave it as is afteer it has been cleaned.

[eds]

Col:

That's it. I really appreciate your hep on this and also the tips on care. I'll stay tuned even though I'm out of military pieces.
Thanks again.
Ed

[colmurph]

Ed. The value of a Chassepot in V.G. condition is $750.00 and $350 for Good condition. You can probably add about 10% for inflation as these values are 3 years old.