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FRENCH CHASSEPOT-GRAS 1866-74 CONVERSION SINGLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
FRENCH CHASSEPOT-GRAS 1866-74 CONVERSION SINGLE
SHOT BOLT ACTION MILITARY RIFLE. Cal. 11mm Gras. S# N84112. Numbers match on bbl., bolt assembly, stock & bayonet bar. 32 1/4" bbl. Ladder rear sight graduated 1700 yards. Inverted V front sight. Receiver is marked on left side "St. Etienne MLE 1866-74". The bbl. which has the chamber insert to convert from the Chassepot paper cartridge to the metallic Gras cartridge is marked on the top right flat "S. 1872 C. 79" & marked on right flat "ME" which is the St. Etienne arsenal marking. European walnut stock. Stock is marked on right side w/ roundel which has been obscured except for the central wooden plug which is stamped "ME". Left side of stock has roundel marked outside "NOVEMBRE S.VC. 1879". The center is marked "MA". This marking was added when the Chassepot rifle was converted to the Gras cartridge in 1879. Stamped under grip with partly obscured letters which appear to be "HBMRAILLER". Bbl. bands are retained by springs. Ramrod is not present. CONDITION: stock has been refinished leaving a lighter coloration with a reddish cast. Shows a slight loss of wood in inletted areas & rendering some markings only partially legible. Metal retains much of its original blue w/ patina, light wear & handling marks. Bright bore w/ strong sharp rifling. (01-23909/RW). ANTIQUE. $300-500.