Hi all,
I've recently picked up a 1868 rust bucket of a Chassepot and trying to clean it up and get it firing again.
Some bits and pieces are missing (or broke) so I'm hoping to get some from you on them:
- the top of the needle looks to be broken; I might go for Racing's idea of using a TIG welding rod as a new needle, but what is the overall length of the needle?
- The needle probably broke because the cylinder head (the thing with the washers on it) was missing. I managed to order the cylinder head from Naturalbuy.fr, but am still lacking the cylinder head locking screw: any ideas on dimensions (and, is it the same one as advertised here?
- the leather strap: any ideas on the original length that should be? When I picked up the Chassepot, a hugely moulded strap was included, but is looks very, very short to me.
I haven't taken the bolt apart yet, so I might be in for another surprise...
Thanks very much for any information; this is also my first post on CB, so please mods, if it is the wrong forum, move it to a place more appropriate.
Thanks,
Gleekzorp.
PS: on matching numbers: I've got matching numbers on the stock, barrel, and both pieces of the bolt. Are there any other places I should look for matching numbers?