{"product_id":"original-french-modele-1866-74-m80-gras-converted-rifle-by-chatellerault-serial-ab-59934-with-m1874-bayonet-and-scabbard-dated-1873","title":"Original French Modèle 1866-74 M80 Gras Converted Rifle by Châtellerault Serial AB 59934 with M1874 Bayonet and Scabbard - Dated 1873","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\u003eThe receiver on this nice service used example is marked \u003cstrong\u003eMANUFACTURE D'ARMES \/ \u003cem\u003eChâtellerault\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and to the right of this is \u003cstrong\u003eMLE 1866-74\u003c\/strong\u003e. The left side of the receiver bears an \u003cstrong\u003eM.80\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eC.1873\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eC 82\u003c\/strong\u003e. The rifle is marked with serial number\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eAB 59934\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe rear sight is fully intact but also sticks at present when adjusting the range, and the cleaning rod is unfortunately missing.\u003c\/span\u003e\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, showing past peppering on much of the blade, and it has the correct issue markings. The back of the blade is actually marked \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaffenfabrik Steyr 1877\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice M-1866-74 Chassepot\/Gras rifle with the correct M1874 T-Backed bayonet and scabbard, fully cleaned and ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications (Rifle):-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1873 - converted 1882\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 11×59mmR Gras\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":44540699639877,"sku":"ONSV25WSO054","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25WSO054.jpg?v=1768424758","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-modele-1866-74-m80-gras-converted-rifle-by-chatellerault-serial-ab-59934-with-m1874-bayonet-and-scabbard-dated-1873","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}