Original French Modèle 1866-74 Gras Converted Rifle by St. Étienne Dated 1868 – Matching Serial G76576 Original Items

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 IMPÉRIALE / St. Étienne and to the right of this is MLE 1866-74. There is no “M.80” marking indicating that the bolt and receiver were modified to allow gas escape, which we have confirmed by inspecting the rifle. 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 1868. It was then later converted to the Gras rifle system in 1879 at Châtellerault Arsenal, indicated by the marking C 79. The rifle has all matching serial numbers, with G 76576 on the barrel, bayonet stand, stock, and all parts of the bolt. It’s quite rare to see one of these converted rifles that is still all matching.

Condition of the rifle is good, though it is missing the cleaning rod. The stock is in great shape and retains its original markings, with arsenal roundels on the buttstock and the serial number still solid. The stock has a nice color and no cracks or repairs that we can see, with the expected dings and scratches from service. Metalwork is in good condition, but does show signs of past pitting throughout. The rifle cycles well, though can be stiff due to wear and age, as it has seen much service. The bore is mostly bright, with clear lands and grooves, which do show wear. There are also small areas of fouling in the grooves. Both sling swivels are still present and functional, and the rear sight is intact and functional. 

A very nice M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle with some great markings, ready to research and display!

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1868 – converted 1879
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

NOTE: 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.