SOLD - French GRAS MLE 1874 / M80 Rifle - With Bayo & Scabbard

Description

4/15/22 - This is a nice example of a Gras MLE 1874 / M80 Rifle. It 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. Modified in 1880 as the M80 with an improved breechblock and in 1914 as the M14 to accommodate the 8?ó50mmR Lebel smokeless powder cartridge, the Gras was replaced as the standard-issue service rifle by the Lebel in 1886. This one is mismatched but does not have import marks. It comes with an original bayonet and scabbard that match each other but do not match the gun. Generally, there is wear around the high edges and noticeable thinning on most of the parts. Spotty oxidation along the barrel and some areas of pin-pricking around the front barrel band. The stock has minor bruises, dings, and scratches throughout. Shiny bore with strong rifling. This is an antique, so no FFL required.