Original French Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 Infantry Rifle by Tulle Matching Serial T 43971 – Dated 1879 Original Items

Original item: Only One Available. The Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80 was one of the primary French service rifle of the late 19th century. The Gras used by the French Army was an adaptation to metallic cartridge of the Chassepot Mle 1866 breech-loading rifle, developed by Colonel Basile Gras. The first examples were in fact conversions of the Chassepot, replacing the needle-fire system with a bolt action one.

 

This is a nice service used example of the Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80, still relatively clearly marked on the receiver with MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / Tulle, and to the right is the model designation Mle 1874. There does not appear to be any “M80” stamp, so this example did not have the modification done to help with gas escape from the chamber in the case of a ruptured cartridge. The rifle has a clear issue date marking of T. 1879 stamped into the right barrel nocks form, for manufacture at the Imperial Arsenal at Tulle in 1879. There is no “M80” marking, most likely due to the early manufacture date. The left side of the barrel is marked with serial number T 43971, and this same serial number is found on the buttstock, the bolt, the rear sight, and the breech frame, making this an ALL MATCHING example. It comes with all original steel mounts and an intact cleaning rod. Most fittings bear the correct government proof marks, though some are worn.

 

There is a beautiful circular inspector’s cartouche with a small plate on the buttstock, with initials MA on the plate and the text of the cartouche reading L.T. JUIN F. 1879.

 

Condition is very good overall, with an aged patina due to years of service and cleaning. The receiver, barrel bands, rear sight, and bolt all have some moderate oxidation and pitting. There are some areas of past oxidation on the barrel, now cleaned away. The action functions well, with a crisp dry fire. The bore still shows clear rifling, though it is a bit dark from lead fouling and heavy oxidation.

 

The stock is in good condition with a very nice dark red brown color, showing that it saw much use while in service. It has the expected dents, chips, scratches, and small gouges commensurate with service.

 

A very nice service used condition Antique French Gras Rifle, ready to display!

 

Specifications (Rifle)-

Year of Manufacture: 1879

Caliber: 11×59mmR Gras

Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge

Barrel Length: 32 Inches

Overall Length: 51 1/2 Inches

Action type: Bolt-Action

Feed System: Single Shot

 

The French Fusil “Gras” Modèle 1874 Rifle had a caliber of 11mm and used black powder centerfire cartridges that weighed 25 grams. It was a robust and hard-hitting weapon, but it had no magazine and so could only fire one shot after loading. It also had a triangular-shaped sword bayonet, known as the Model 1874 “Gras” sword bayonet. It was replaced by the Lebel rifle in 1886, the first rifle to use smokeless gunpowder. In the meantime, about 400,000 Gras rifles had been manufactured.

 

The metallic-cartridge Gras was manufactured in response to the development of the metallic cartridge designed by Colonel Boxer in 1866 (Boxer cartridge), and the British 1870 Martini-Henry rifle. Those were soon emulated by the Germans with the 1871 Mauser.

 

The Hellenic Army adopted the Gras in 1877, and it was used in all conflicts up until the Second World War. It became the favourite weapon of Greek guerrilla fighters, from the various revolts against the Ottoman Empire to the resistance against the Axis, acquiring legendary status. The name entered the Greek language, and grades (γκράδες) was a term colloquially applied to all rifles during the first half of the 20th century. It was manufactured by various arms factories in France, though most of the rifles sent to Greece were made by the ŒWG Austrian Arms Factory at Steyr.

 

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