Rare French Breech-loading Percussion Bolt Action Rifle (AL5050)

Rare French Breech-loading Percussion Bolt Action Rifle. Manufactured by the Chatellerault arsenal. Overall length is 51”, The 34½ Octagon (3”) to round barrel of approximately .48 caliber has a near excellent bore with some roughness near the muzzle. The metal is bright with scattered age staining. Stock is very good with the dents to be expected of an issued arm. Brass bands, trigger guard and butt plate are very good. Lock is marked “MRG Impale DE Chatellerault”. Barrel is marked “1865” with a proof forward of that on the flat in front of the bolster. An oval proof and “MI” are on the flat below that. The flat to the left of the bolster has a circled “L” and circled “F” with the serial number “384” below on the side flat. There are various other small inspection stamps, including a shield with a star/m on the lock. Stock rondel has “Avail” (April) over “1865” with “MI” in the center. The rondel on the left-side has an inspection stamp about an inch forward. The left-side of the stock has “384” with a couple of inspection stamps nearby. The swivels and cleaning rod are present. Action   functions correctly. The bolt, which has a gas seal on the front, operates by first cocking the hammer, next pushing in the locking button at its top rear, and then rotating the handle up and pulling the bolt to the rear. The percussion paper cartridge can then be loaded in the chamber. The very interesting French percussion breech-loading rifle was one of the last stops on the way to cartridge firearms. Fewer than 500 were produced circa 1865. This would be a unique addition to your collection!