MAS (Manufacture d'Armes St. Etienne) Rifle. Sn 22798 Muzzleloader .70 Cal Muzzleloader Rifle

French Model 1857 Muzzle Loading .700 Calibre Percussion Infantry Service Rifle. Sn 22798 - 22798

The French Model 1857 was the first French rifle in army service. The model was identical to the earlier smoothbore Mle 1853 with the adoption of 4 groove rifling and a fixed rear sight forged into the barrel tang. This is an original French Mle 1857 rifle. The rifle has a 37 ½” barrel with correct 4 groove rifling and an overall length of 53”. The bore has staining & residue consistent with age & use. The barrel has inspection marks (illustrated) and has the correct rear sight forged into the tang. The barrel has a blade fore sight. The underside of the barrel has a bayonet lug. The iron lock plate has no visible maker or date marks. The rifle has steel furniture, sling swivels & ramrod. The walnut stock has knocks and bumps from service use and there are old stable chips around the butt plate. The weapon’s cocking and firing actions are crisp. The price includes UK delivery. NB. As an antique muzzle loading percussion rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 22798

£795.00