Original French Modèle 1866-74 M.80 Gras Converted Rifle by St. Étienne with M1866 Saber Bayonet – Dated 1871 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. 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 S.1871, indicating that it was originally manufactured at St. Étienne Arsenal as a Chassepot in 1871. It was then later converted to the Gras rifle system in 1881 at St. Étienne, indicated by the marking S 81. The rifle is marked with serial number M 78423 on on the left side of the barrel, 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 stock is in good shape, showing arsenal reconditioning, which has removed all of the original arsenal markings. There are some repairs, particularly on the right side near the nose cap, where a piece of wood has been grafted in, and there is also some wood filler along the wood line. The metalwork looks to have been refinished at arsenal, and retains strong bluing on the receiver and barrel, while the bolt is bright steel.

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. Both sling swivels are still present and functional, however the rear sight is missing the slider and sight cap. There is a cleaning rod, but it looks to be from a Martini-Henry, and is definitely not the correct type.

Included with this rifle a correct issue Yataghan-bladed Model 1866 Chassepot Saber bayonet, which is in very good service used condition. It does show a bit of oxidation and wear on the blade, while the handle has a lovely mellow patina. It is marked on the back with M’re Imp’e d’Armes Chât’t ???? 1868, indicating manufacture at the Châtellerault Arsenal in 1868. 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.

A very nice M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle with M1866 Saber bayonet, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1871 – converted 1881
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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