Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot by Mutzig Captured by Germany and Converted to Carbine Royal Air Force Kentucky and manufactured under contract

Kentucky and manufactured under contract by the Meriden Manufacturing Company of Meriden

The Stag Horn grip is beautifully carved

but this was later removed

It was made by famed firm Carl Eickhorn of Solingen

and the original chin strap is still installed

Original French Fusil Modèle 1866 Chassepot by Mutzig Captured by Germany and Converted to Carbine Royal Air Force Kentucky and manufactured under contractOriginal Item: Only One Available. Despite the fact that the French needle fire Chassepot rifle was far superior to the needle fire Prussian Dreyse rifle, the French took a swift and decisive beating in the war of 1870 71. In fairness to the French, the defeat was due to Napoleon III's foolhardiness in allowing himself to get captured at the Battle of Sedan and the show was then over. During and after the conflict, about 665,000 Chassepot rifles had