Pictures worth a 1,000 words

Fred Hansen · June 22, 2007, 12:50 AM

A friend of mine has an old rifle that I have not been able to identify. To me it looks like some variation on a Dreyse needle-gun, but older rifles aren't really my forte, so I'm hoping someone here at TFL may know something about it. Thanks!

One other note: There is an eagle crest on the receiver ring (the resized pic doesn't show any detail) and my friend wrote the following note with regard to it.

Quote:

Hey Fred,

Hope it works as easy as it seemed. Just a reminder: eagle in image …26,is looking to its right and scroll under says
CHASSERx. I could dismantle bolt and take add’l pics if you come to think they are needed.
Ray

Fred Hansen · June 22, 2007, 12:52 AM

I see that it works better if I actually upload the photo.

Fred Hansen · June 22, 2007, 12:56 AM

Another photo:

**4V50 Gary** · June 22, 2007, 12:58 AM

Chassepot 11 mm M66 rifle.

Fred Hansen · June 22, 2007, 12:31 PM

Thank you!!!

**Mike Irwin** · June 26, 2007, 02:57 PM

Yep, definitely a Chassepot.

Surprising to see that the needle is still there.

Most I've seen have the needle broken off.

Supposedly the replacement needles came packed 1 to every 10-round packet of ammunition.

James K · June 27, 2007, 12:09 AM

You were close on the Dreyse. The Chassepot was the French answer to the Dreyse in that particular arms race.

Jim

June 22, 2007, 12:58 AM	#4
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,306	Chassepot 11 mm M66 rifle. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

June 26, 2007, 02:57 PM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	Yep, definitely a Chassepot. Surprising to see that the needle is still there. Most I've seen have the needle broken off. Supposedly the replacement needles came packed 1 to every 10-round packet of ammunition. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 22, 2007, 12:31 PM	#5
Fred Hansen Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2001 Location: The middle of WWIII Posts: 3,335	Thank you!!!

June 27, 2007, 12:09 AM	#7
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	You were close on the Dreyse. The Chassepot was the French answer to the Dreyse in that particular arms race. Jim