^Lot 510 Modified Antique French Model 1866 Chassepot Bolt Action Rifle

Modified Antique French Model 1866 Chassepot Bolt Action Rifle, #14874, 11mm cal., 26'' barrel, bright metal, straight grip hardwood stock, replacement blade front sight with protectors, and replacement folding leaf rear sight with ''V''-notch, graduated to 1300 meters. No cleaning rod and the hole appears to be filled with a wooden dowel. Left side of the receiver is marked ''MANUFACTURE D'ARMES/St Etienne/MLE 1866''. Right side of the barrel shank is marked ''S.1873''. There is a faint cartouche dated ''1873''on right side of the buttstock, with a stamped ''9''. The water plug is missing. Matching numbered buttstock, other parts do not match. Rifle was modified by installing a fabricated front sight and gluing a Mauser type sight to the rear of the barrel. Bolt handle has been turned down and flattened. Condition overall is fair, with a combination of dark patina mixed with cleaned gray metal. There are impact marks to the barrel, near the rear sight. Stock is in poor condition, with cracks to both sides of the wrist, and cracks and large splinters missing from the forend. Action functions well. Bore is dark with fair rifling. Est.: $200-$400. (Antique)