Original French Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80 Infantry Rifle by Tulle Arsenal Serial I 87645 with Bayonet & Scabbard - Dated 1878

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 very nice example of the Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80, complete with an original T-Back Bladed M1874 bayonet and scabbard. The receiver on the rifle is marked with MANUFACTURE D'ARMES / Tulle over M.80, and to the right is the model designation Mle 1874. The rifle has an issue date marking of T. 1878 stamped into the right barrel nocks form, for manufacture at the Imperial Arsenal of Tulle in 1884. The "M.80" marking is for the update to the action that added a channel for gas escape to the bolt head and receiver, in the case of a ruptured primer, and we have confirmed the receiver was modified. It comes with all original steel mounts and a period replaced cleaning rod. Most fittings bear the correct government proof marks, though some are worn.

The stock is in very good condition with great color, showing the expected dents, dings, and other wear from service. It does not look to have been arsenal reconditioned, however it definitely has been worn down a bit from cleaning. This has made some of the markings faint, though we can still see the MA on the "Holy Water Plug" boxwood insert on the right side of the stock, as well as the FÉVRIER 1877 date.

This rifle has mismatched serial numbers, which would indicate that it did have parts swapped at arsenal, a very common occurrence once the Gras was obsolete. It is marked with serial number I 87645 on the barrel and bayonet stand, while the bolt and stock are marked with different serial numbers. The metalwork shows wear from use and cleaning while in service, now displaying a mottled oxidized patina overall. There are however no signs of major oxidation or past pitting. The bore still shows clear rifling, however many areas are dull or dark, as oxidation looks to have set in on the interior. The grooves are mostly dark, however a good amount of the lands still are bright. The rifle cycles and dry fire well, with no major issues to note.

Included with this rifle a correct issue T-backed Blade Model 1874 "Gras" sword bayonet with steel scabbard. This bayonet is in good condition, with a bright steel blade with some dents along the spine, and all the correct issue markings. The T-shaped back of the bayonet is marked Paris - Oudry 1881, indicating manufacture by Oudry in Paris under government contract. The hilt is in very good condition, with some oxidation and light peppering on the steel components, and light wear to the wooden grip. The scabbard is in very good condition and easily fits over the blade. The bayonet fits the rifle well, and is easily removed.

A very nice condition Antique French Gras Rifle, complete with original Gras Bayonet and Scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1878
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"

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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