Item Description
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.
The receiver on this nice service used example is marked MANUFACTURE D'ARMES / Tulle and to the right of this is MLE 1866-74. Underneath this is M.80, for a later update to the action that added a channel for gas escape to the bolt and receiver, in the case of a ruptured primer. The rifle has an original issue date stamped into the barrel of T.1874, indicating that it was originally manufactured at Tulle Arsenal as a Chassepot in 1874. It was then later converted to the updated M80 Gras rifle system in 1884 at Tulle, indicated by the marking T. 84. The rifle is marked with serial number RT 2538 on on the left side of the barrel and bayonet stand, while the other serial numbers are all mis-matched, very common on converted and arsenal reconditioned rifles. There is also a MADE IN FRANCE marking on the top of the barrel nocks form, so this rifle was exported at some point.
The metalwork on the rifle displays a worn patinated finish, looking to have possibly been arsenal reblued at some point after conversion, which has since worn a bit. The bolt is still bright steel, showing light staining and a matte surface from cleaning. The stock is in good shape, showing arsenal reconditioning, which has removed all of the original arsenal markings. It saw long service after that, and shows numerous dents and dings, as well as some missing chunks and cracks on the fore stock area.
The rifle cycles well, though can be stiff due to wear and age, as it has seen much service. The rifle has an nice bore with strong lands and grooves, though it does show fouling and oxidation in the grooves. There is also some scattered oxidation on the lands, as expected from a black powder rifle that has seen very long service, and probably was not cleaned correctly after its last use. The lower sling swivel is present and functional, however the upper sling swivel has broken off. The rear sight is present and functional, though the screw for retaining the leaf spring is missing. There is a cleaning rod, but it is definitely not the correct type or length.
Included with this rifle a correct issue Yataghan-bladed Model 1866 Chassepot Saber bayonet, complete with an original scabbard, which has been painted black, along with the cross guard and ricasso of the blade. The bayonet is in very good service used condition, with the blade still in great shape, showing just a bit of light oxidation staining. The brass handle has a lovely mellow patina, showing dents and dings from service. It is marked on the spine of the blade with Tulle Août 1873 , indicating manufacture at the Tulle Arsenal in 1873. The marking is faded in areas, so we cannot see the month it was made. It correctly mounts to the rifle and locks into place easily.
A very nice M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle with M1866 Saber bayonet, fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1874 - converted 1884
Caliber: 11×59mmR Gras
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: 22 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge "Yataghan" w/ Fuller
Overall length: 27 1/2“
Crossguard: 4”
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