Product Description
Antique FRENCH CHATELLERAULT M1866-74/M80 CHASSEPOT Bolt Action w/BAYONET
French Proofed 11mm MILITARY RIFLE
Here we present an antique French Chatellerault Arsenal Gras Model 1866-74/80 Rifle, made circa 1874 at the armory in Chatellerault, France. The Gras Modèle 1874 M80 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 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 as one can see by looking at this example.
This rifle is chambered in 11mm and used black powder centerfire cartridges. It was a robust and hard-hitting single shot weapon. 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 received is clearly marked MANUFACTURE D’ARMES Châtellerault Mle 1866-74 on the receiver. The rifle has a clear issue date stamped into the barrel of C 1874.
The overall condition is good. The action is excellent. The bore is in good condition with strong rifling and is reflective. The stock shows much use and remains solid.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 32-1/2 inches.
Caliber: 11mm Gras
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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$1250
#240303