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 / Châtellerault and to the right of this is MLE 1866-74. The left side of the receiver bears an M.80 marking, so this rifle has 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 C.1873, indicating that it was originally manufactured at Châtellerault Arsenal as a Chassepot in 1871. It was then later converted to the Gras rifle system in 1882 at Châtellerault, indicated by the marking C 82. The rifle is marked with serial number AB 59934 on the left side of the barrel and on the bayonet stand (faint). The bolt is not matching, and has different numbers on each component, while the stock serial is illegible. This rifle definitely saw long service, with parts swapped at arsenal long ago.

The stock is in very good shape, and looks to have been arsenal reconditioned during this process, which has removed the markings from the original "Holy Water Plug" and round cartouche on the right side.  The metalwork looks to have been refinished when it was converted, so the receiver and barrel have a lovely dark blued finish, showing some past peppering, while the bolt is bright steel, with some oxidation staining on the exposed areas.

The rifle cycles well, and we did not notice the stiffness or sticking we can sometimes see on rifles from this era. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is little to no oxidation or fouling visible. The upper sling swivel is still present and moves easily, however the butt stock swivel is broken away. The rear sight is fully intact but also sticks at present when adjusting the range, and the cleaning rod is unfortunately missing.

Included with this rifle a correct issue T-backed Blade Model 1874 "Gras" sword bayonet with steel scabbard. This bayonet is in good condition, showing past peppering on much of the blade, and it has the correct issue markings. The back of the blade is actually marked Waffenfabrik Steyr 1877, so it was made by Steyr in Austria. The hilt is in good used condition, with oxidation staining on the steel components, and wear and staining to the wooden grip. The scabbard is in very good condition and easily fits over the blade, showing a mottled oxidized patina. The bayonet fits the rifle well, locking into place correctly, and then easily removed when the lock button is pushed in.

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

Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1873 - converted 1882
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: 20 1/2"
Blade Style: T-shaped
Overall length: 25 3/8"
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 21 1/8"

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