{"product_id":"original-french-modele-1866-74-gras-converted-smoothbored-rifle-by-st-etienne-serial-d-83827-with-m1874-bayonet-dated-1868","title":"Original French Modèle 1866-74 Gras Converted Smoothbored Rifle by St. Etiénne Serial D 83827 with M1874 Bayonet - Dated 1868","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003cstrong\u003eMANUFACTURE D'ARMES \/ \u003ci\u003eSt. Étienne\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and to the right of this is \u003cstrong\u003eMLE 1866-74\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at \u003cstrong\u003eSt. Étienne\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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 \u003cstrong\u003eS.1868\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eS 80\u003c\/strong\u003e, however there are no further markings regarding conversion to smoothbore. The rifle is marked with serial number \u003cstrong\u003eD 83827\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eM. S. MARS J. \/ 1875\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating March 1875 manufacture by St. Étienne. The left side of the stock still has a crisp \u003cstrong\u003eFH 56774\u003c\/strong\u003e serial number marking, along with another inspection cartouche around MA that reads \u003cstrong\u003eM. S. JUIN. T. \/ 1880\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded 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 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM're d'Armes de Tulle Janvier 1880\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very interesting smoothbored M-1866-74 Chassepot\/Gras rifle with the correct M1874 T-Backed bayonet, fully cleaned and ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications (Rifle):-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1868 - converted 1880, and again later.\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 0.568\" about 25 Bore\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 51.4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Bolt-Action\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications (Bayonet):-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 20 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: T-shaped\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 25 3\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 4”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 21 1\/8\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45042142085189,"sku":"ONSV25CWN037","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/E4CFB9F0-8BBF-4F76-819B-A944CACA038E.jpg?v=1779482551","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-modele-1866-74-gras-converted-smoothbored-rifle-by-st-etienne-serial-d-83827-with-m1874-bayonet-dated-1868","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}