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FRENCH CHASSEPOT MODEL 1866/74 BOLT ACTION SINGLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
FRENCH CHASSEPOT MODEL 1866/74 BOLT ACTION SINGLE
SHOT RIFLE. Cal.11mm Gras. S# FG70547. S#s match on bbl., bolt assembly & buttstock. Bbl. 32 1/4". Ladder rear sight. Inverted V stud type front sight. These Model 1866 Chassepot rifles were converted to take the Model 1874 Gras cartridge by fitting a new bolt head & extractor plus re-cutting the chamber. In 1880 a design change called for a gas release cut in the left wall of the receiver. The left wall of the receiver in this rifle appears uncut however the top right bbl. flat is mark "S. 1874" & "S. 80". Receiver is marked on left side "MANUFACTURE D' ARMES ST. ETIENNE". Bbl. has numerous proofs & acceptance marks. Steel furniture; bottom swivels; ramrod is present; bbl. fitted w/ side bayonet lug. Walnut stock marked on left side of butt w/ partly obscured S#. Right side of butt has Imperial monograms & faint remnants of the marking "Roundel". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 20 5/8" triangular blade Model 1874 Gras bayonet dated 1879. Bayonet has curved quillon. Distinctively shaped grip w/ walnut scales & brass birds' head pommel. Bayonet is turning overall patina w/ wear & handling marks. CONDITION: stock has been given an early arsenal rework type finish w/ light wear & handling marks throughout. Monogram on right side of butt has white filler. Metal retains 70% arsenal rework blue w/ wear & light oxidation. Bright parts turning gray & patina. Buttplate has notable oxidation & pitting. Very good shiny bore w/ several scattered sm. pits forward of the chamber. (01-23004/RW). CURIO. $300-500.