Original French Modèle 1866-74 Gras Converted Rifle by St. Etiénne Arsenal Serial FH 27642 - Dated 1874

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 very nice example is marked MANUFACTURE D'ARMES / St. Étienne and to the right of this is MLE 1866-74, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at St. Étienne. 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 S.1874, indicating that it was originally manufactured at St. Étienne Arsenal as a Chassepot in 1873. It was then later converted to the Gras rifle system in 1880 at St. Étienne, indicated by the marking S 80. The rifle is marked with serial number FH 27642 on the left side of the barrel, the left side of the stock, all the components of the bolt, and on the bayonet stand. Even the CLEANING ROD is matching 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 unlike most we see, does not look to have been reconditioned, so the stock cartouches on both sides are still present! The "Holy Water Plug" on the right side of the stock still has the MA stamp, and has an inspection date of JANVIER 1875, meaning it was being made right at the end of 1874, was finished in January 1875. The other side has a cartouche with a date of MARS 1880, so it was converted to a Gras in March 1880. We almost never get in French gras rifles with such great cartouches! The barrel and receiver look to have been refinished when it was converted, and still retain the blued finish very well, showing only very light wear. The bolt is still bright steel, showing some evidence of past oxidation staining, now cleaned away. The fittings show a lovely mottled patina from oxidation and staining.

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 excellent condition, showing a bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is just a bit of wear and no major fouling or oxidation, making this a really great bore considering how much time it was in service. Both sling swivels are still present and functional, though they are VERY stiff, and the rear sight is fully intact but also sticks a bit at present when adjusting the range. The original cleaning rod is present, and screws into the stock.

A fantastic well-marked "All Matching" M-1866-74 Chassepot/Gras rifle with an excellent bore, ready to display!

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1874 - converted 1880
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

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