Here is my M1866 French Chassepot rifle manufactured in 1867. This one is all original and matching except the cleaning rod! The rod is also original and has the same (French horn?) maker's mark but different serial number. I made up some paper cartridges (many thanks to all of those on the internet who paved this pathway!) and it shot OK. The chamber seal is old and brittle therefore I wore a full-face shield which was a good thing! I am now in the process of creating a new gasket to seal the chamber and some better cartridges, but for now I am very pleased.
