Original Item: Only One Available. The Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 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.

This is a very interesting example, which at some point had the barrel smoothbored, with the bore diameter increased to about 0.568", or 25 Bore. We do not know why this was done, but often see modifications like this on arms meant for prison service. The receiver is marked MANUFACTURE D'ARMES / St. Étienne and to the right of this is MLE 1866-74, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at St. Étienne. There is however no "M.80" marking, so this rifle never had the gas escape channel added around the front of the bolt, confirmed by physical inspection. The rifle has an original issue date stamped into the barrel of S.1868, indicating that it was originally manufactured at St. Étienne Arsenal as a Chassepot in 1873. It was then later converted to the Gras rifle system in 1880 at St. Étienne, indicated by the marking S 80, however there are no further markings regarding conversion to smoothbore. The rifle is marked with serial number D 83827 on the left side of the barrel nocks form and on the bayonet stand, while the other markings are for the most part unmatching. This is very common for guns that have been re-arsenaled, though we do not have any information on smoothbored examples such as this.

The stock is in very good shape, and does not show any signs of an arsenal reconditioning, so the stock markings are still present and legible. The right side retains the "Holy Water Plug" with a crisp MA marking, and around this is is marked M. S. MARS J. / 1875, indicating March 1875 manufacture by St. Étienne. The left side of the stock still has a crisp FH 56774 serial number marking, along with another inspection cartouche around MA that reads M. S. JUIN. T. / 1880, probably from a conversion, possibly to a gras or maybe to smoothbore. As this is not the original stock that matches the action and barrel, we really have no way of knowing.

The metalwork is in good shape, still retaining strong original bluing on the receiver, while the barrel is worn to more of a mottled plum patina in most areas. The markings are all still very crisp, so it doesn't look to have been refinished at any time. The bolt has a great aged look to the bright steel finish, showing past staining and wear.

The rifle cycles well, and we did not notice the stiffness or sticking we can sometimes see on guns from this era. The bore is in quite good condition, and it doesn't look to have seen much use at all since being smoothbored. For the most part it is shiny showing just a bit of oxidation. Both sling swivels are still present and functional, though they are a bit stiff, and the rear sight is fully intact but also sticks a bit at present when adjusting the range. There is a cleaning rod present, but it is a fabricated replacement.

Included with this rifle a correct issue T-backed Blade Model 1874 "Gras" sword bayonet with steel scabbard. This bayonet is in good condition, with a bright steel blade showing some overall staining and past peppering, but no major oxidation, and it still has the correct issue markings. The T-shaped back of the bayonet is marked M're d'Armes de Tulle Janvier 1880, indicating manufacture at the Tulle Arsenal in January 1880. The hilt is in very good used condition, with some oxidation staining on the steel components, and denting to the wooden grip. The bayonet fits the rifle well, locking into place correctly, and then easily removed when the lock button is pushed in.

A very interesting smoothbored M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle with the correct M1874 T-Backed bayonet, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1868 - converted 1880, and again later.
Caliber: 0.568" about 25 Bore
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 51.4 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot

Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade Length: 20 1/2"
Blade Style: T-shaped
Overall length: 25 3/8"
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 21 1/8"

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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.

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