Manufacture D’Aarmes St Etienne Mle 1874 Gras Rifle
Standard issue French cavalry Rifle Also exported to the Russians, Greece, And Poland.
The Fusil Modèle 1874 or Gras was the French Army’s primary service rifle from 1874 to 1886. Designed by Colonel Basile Gras, the Gras was a metallic cartridge adaptation of the single-shot, breech-loading, black powder Chassepot rifle. It was developed from 1872 to 1874 as a response to the German adoption of the Mauser Model 1871 metallic cartridge rifle.
In 1914, the French Army modified 146,000 rifles to fire 8 mm Lebel in 1914, by using the barrel of a Lebel or Berthier rifle. They were used by second-line troops. In 1940, after the French defeat, most of these rifles were destroyed by the German occupiers
*Condition*
A scarce French 11mm M1874/80 Gras Cavalry rifle, 46” overall, barrel 27½”, number 36431 on all parts, the framed stamped “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES St ETIENNE Mle 1874” and “M80”, the breech stamped “S.1877” etc; fullstocked with brass mounts including two barrel bands, and sling swivels. Generally clean condition, a hole has been drilled in the top of the breech. The stock appears to have been skillfully restored at some point. A great example, please see the pictures as they form part of this report.
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