French Grass Infantry Rifle 1874……………(SOLD)

A fine old French Survivor – The Grass Single Shot Model 1866-74 Rifle

Of standard specification; 51.3/8″ in length.  Round blued barrel 32.1/4″ long.  Trigger 13.5/8″ to centre.  Single piece walnut stock with no breakages but lots of cartouches.  The surface of the stock bears witness to a long and active military life. Plain steel trigger guard and steel butt-plate.  Barrel retained by two bands with side mounted spring clips.  Twin sling mounts and correct full length cleaning rod.

This Grass carrys the serial number “N 83101” and this is fully matching – all over.  There are multiple serial numbers upon the three main components of the bolt assembly. The serial number also appears on the flats of the breech-end of the barrel.  It can clearly be seen on the LHS of the butt-stock.  It is repeated on the bayonet fixing bar and the cleaning rod!

The barrel, action and bands are all blued with a strong finish and only light high point edge wear.  The bolt was finished in the white but has developed a strong plumb brown to the actual handle. The top angular flat of the action is marked with the makers name, as follows;- “St Etienne  Mle 1866-74”.  The top RH angular flat of the barrel is also marked;- “S. 1872S. 80”.  There also multiple inspection and acceptance marks over much of the rifle.

The woodwork has not escaped the stamping process either and also is sporting many clear script markings but, most noticeably on both sides of the butt stock the rifle has a clear roundel cartouche on each face. The earlier one on the RHS reads as follows;- In the centre “M.E.” then around the outside, at the top; “SEPTEMBRE” then below; “B, S, J,”  with the date “1872” at the base of the circle.  Above and below the roundel are more clear markings; “A star over a “G” and below a crowned script “F”.  The roundel on the other side has the letters “MA” in the centre, “M,S, T.” around the outside and the date “1880” at the base and the word “MARS” at the top.  Above is a star over a script “B” and below the roundel is the serial number.

The action is mechanically fine and positive to use.  The chamber and the bore are in wonderful condition.  No pitting or corrosion visible.  It is worth noting that this rifle still has all the original components of the bolt, nothing has been replaced or mixed up and the bolt face is practically as new – completely clean – see picture.  In its original 11mm Gras calibre.  A very clean example in excellent condition.  Not British proofed – as original.  Untouched for the collector.

No license required.

£ 1175.  (SOLD)

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