M/71 converted Chassepot carbine

[cptbob]

The Germans made good use of weaponry captured from the French in 1870-71. In order to get the cavalry and mounted troops equipped with modern carbines while waiting for the development of the Kar 71 they resorted to reworking the superior French Chassepot rifles to fire the M/71 cartridge. These stayed in use by Train and support units long after the Kar 71's were first issued to the cavalry in 1876. The conversions were performed by several manufacturers. Some kept the original French barrels while others had the barrels replaced. This carbine was reworked by the OEWG and given a new barrel. Marked to the 10th Train Battalion's (Hannover) vehicle column.

 

[cptbob]

The rifle and both swords in this photo are all captured French material.

 

[JohnS3rd]

Bob
Thank you for the history lesson on this Chassepot carbine and the Imperial German Army use of it for through the Great War.
As a side note the Chassepot rifle had a much longer range and therefore superior to the German Dreyse needle gun. The French inflicted significant casualties on the German forces during the Franco Prussian War, so I’m not surprised the Germans issued it to their troop.
Best regards
John

PS Love the display

 

[Neil Young]

That's a new rifle to me. I have the 71/84, Kar71 and Kar88's but not this one. Thank you for sharing the history with us and thank you for showing us that beautiful display. Bravo!!

 

[b.loree]

Beautiful weapon with amazing marking that give testimony as to it's History!

 

[cptbob]

Thank you gentlemen!

 

[Zebedeus]

I don't collect weapon, but this is really fashinating. Thank you for sharing us and the appropriate informations.

 

[Neil Young]

BTW, is that an 1850 cavalry pistol in the photo? It looks to be in fantastic condition. I have one marked to the 12th Uhlans.

 

[Sandmann]

A beautiful display Bob, thank you for sharing

 

[cptbob]

Hi Neil, yes that is an 1850 cavalry pistol. That one is marked to the 9th Artillery Regiment. I believe to the 2nd battery of 4 pounders. I have another one marked to the 6th Uhlan Regiment

 

[Neil Young]

Thanks, those are cool big bore pistols, and I emphasize "big".

 

[LangeKerl]

Very nice! I have one if these as well: new barrel, modified sight, Prussian markings, etc. The comment (3rd post) that these were issued in 1876 because the Chassepot was superior to the Dreyse is not correct. They were issued at that point because there was shortage of cavalry carbines after the introduction of the Mauser 71 rifle, and they had captured 600,000 Chassepots. As stated in the 1st post.

I have a number of the M1850 pistols as well. Nice to see another collector interested in these.

 

[LangeKerl]

BTW, these 2 books are superb! Amazing details on the rifles, accessories, gear, etc, of that era, as well as some veteran accounts. These brothers also have a number of YouTube videos on shooting them.

 

[cptbob]

Very nice! I have one if these as well, except it was fitted with the Kar71 barrel. The comment (3rd post) that these were issued in 1876 because the Chassepot was superior to the Dreyse is not correct. They were issued at that point because there was shortage of cavalry carbines after the introduction of the Mauser 71 rifle, and they had captured 600,000 Chassepots. As stated in the 1st post.

I have a number of the M1850 pistols as well. Nice to see another collector interested in these.

Thanks! Is your rifle unit marked? Would love to see some photos.

Thanks for the heads up on the books. This one is really good too. Has a whole chapter on the converted Chassepots.

 

[Naprawiacz]

Beauty in its pure form,congratulations!

 

[LangeKerl]

Thanks! Is your rifle unit marked? Would love to see some photos.

Thanks for the heads up on the books. This one is really good too. Has a whole chapter on the converted Chassepots.

View attachment 24480

Yes, I have that book as I collect (and shoot) all those types of rifles.

I just looked at my Chassepot and it is just Iike yours: new barrel, modified rear site (French distances removed and new ones for the 11.15x60R round added) French stock markings removed and German ones added, etc.

Mine has a Chassepot sling, and appears to have been marked to a French Navy unit, with Bavarian unit markings (10th Regiment Reserve).