Original French Modèle 1866-74 Gras Converted Rifle by Châtellerault Serial B 87920 with M1874 Bayonet and Scabbard - Dated 1871

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 D'ARMES / Châtellerault and to the right of this is MLE 1866-74. There is however no "M.80" marking, so this rifle never 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 C.1871, 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 1879 at Châtellerault, indicated by the marking C 79. The rifle is marked with serial number B 87920 on the left side of the barrel, the stock, all the components of the bolt, and even on the bayonet stand, making this a lovely "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years. We do not know if these would have been re-numbered when converted to centerfire, however all the markings look original and un-altered.

The stock is in very good shape, and looks to have been arsenal reconditioned during this process, which made the original "Holy Water Plug" and round cartouche on the right side faint. However, the left side of the stock was marked with a new cartouche, indicating inspection in JULIET 1879 (July 1879). There are additional markings stamped elsewhere on the stock, which shows wear from service but no major damage, and has a lovely dark red brown color. The metalwork looks to have been refinished when it was converted, so the receiver and barrel have a lovely dark blued finish, while the bolt is bright steel, with some oxidation staining on the exposed areas.

The 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 mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is a bit of past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, but overall this is a lovely bore for a black powder era gun such as this. Both sling swivels are still present and functional, though they are a bit stiff, and the rear sight is fully intact but also sticks at present when adjusting the range. The original cleaning rod is present, and correctly screws into place under the barrel.

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 little corrosion, and all the correct issue markings. The T-shaped back of the bayonet is marked M're d'Armes de St. Étienne Janvier 1880, indicating manufacture at the St. Étienne Arsenal in January 1880. The hilt is in very good used condition, with some oxidation staining on the steel components, and light wear to the wooden grip. The scabbard is in very good condition and easily fits over the blade, with the original blued finish well retained. We also noted that the bayonet and scabbard are serial number matched, both marked with J 29946, something we rarely see! The bayonet fits the rifle well, locking into place correctly, and then easily removed when the lock button is pushed in.

A very nice M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle with the correct M1874 T-Backed bayonet and scabbard, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1871 - 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

Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade Length: 20 1/2"
Blade Style: T-shaped
Overall length: 25 3/8"
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 21 1/8"

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