Original French Chassepot Modèle 1866/73 Rifle Centerfire Converted by Kynoch named to Indiana Civil War Soldier Russian Headgear Both leather corner reinforcements are

Both leather corner reinforcements are still intact

with some fraying and added rivets

depress the cocking collar until the firing pin was cocked

and overall it has a great patina

This helmet still has its correct Prussian (Black & White) removable cloth covered cockade at top front

Original French Chassepot Modèle 1866/73 Rifle Centerfire Converted by Kynoch named to Indiana Civil War Soldier Russian Headgear Both leather corner reinforcements areOriginal Item: Only One Available. The French government converted their Chassepot Needle Guns to accommodate more modern ammunition after the original configuration proved itself to be unreliable in battle. For political and economic reasons, France did not select the patented Mauser conversion instead, this work was carried out by the Kynoch Gun Factory of Aston, England. In 1873, France contracted with the Kynoch Gun Factory of Aston, England to