Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80 was a French service rifle of the 19th century. The Gras used by the French Army was an adaptation to metallic cartridge of the Chassepot breech-loading rifle by Colonel Basile Gras. This example was originally a needle fire Chassepot, the French ignition system introduced in 1866. It was a single shot bolt-action rifle and was among the best of its kind at the type, being superior to the German Dreyse Needle fire system. It was quickly surpassed however, principally by the British Martini-Henry system. In 1874 the self contained cartridge Gras bolt-action system was introduced, and the Chassepots in service were converted to this system,and had additional markings added indicating this.
The left side of the receiver marking is partly worn, but would have originally read MANUFACTURE IMPERIALE / Tulle, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at Tulle. It also bears model designation MLE 1866-74. The rifle has arsenal proofs on most parts, and also is marked S.1868 T. 79 indicating that it was originally manufactured as a Chassepot in 1868, an then converted to Gras in 1879, also at Tulle.
The rifle has matching serial numbers, with R 84366 on the barrel, stock, and all parts of the bolt, as well as on the bayonet stand. The stock has a rondel stamp that reads T. NOVEMBRE / MA / T.1879, and other proof marks of interest.
Condition of the rifle is good, though it definitely does have some storage wear. Wood is in solid condition but does have quite a bit of dents and other wear. Metalwork is in good condition, and still has a lot of the factory blued finish on the barrel and receiver. The bore is excellent, with clear lands and grooves and a bright finish.
A really nice M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle fully cleaned. Ready to display.
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
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