Chassepot/Gras M1866-74

Well, had been on the lookout for a project for a while, and I found this. A Chassepot/Gras 1866-74. This particular example was made in 1869, and no doubt saw service during the Franco-Prussian War when it employed the needle-fire system.
The wood has been duffle cut, and has seen a hard life. A thick, dark varnish has been applied to it at some point.
The metal, however, is in great shape, despite typical staining. The bore is excellent, and there is no pitting anywhere. It will make a great shooter later.
Two things missing. Bolt release screw, and rear sight leaf. The rear sight base appears unusual. I'm guessing that since this has had the Gras upgrade, I should be looking for a Gras rear sight.
Curious about a marking on the right of the barrel...'C.85'.
Pics when it gets pretty again!

Well I’ll be. Didn’t know I was selling to a fellow milsurps member!
I’ll be following along!
I’m glad to see it in capable hands.

Hey there! Small world, isn't it?
Yep, it's going to turn out nice. Keep an eye out!

I can't find my records at the moment - that's what happens if you tidy up the workshop!

However, IF my memory is correct, your rifle was originally made in St. Etienne (S) in 1869, and upgraded to the Gras 74-80 configuration (with the gas-relieving cut-out) by the Chatellerault (C) arsenal in 1885.

This is what you're looking for:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../JnjmHKM-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../MQCmPOk-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../eCKlUeF-1.jpg

Good luck. I've been searching for a Chassepot rear sight for four years with no luck. I see these occasionally but not often and not for a long while.

Sounds like the hunt is on!!

Yep, it's going to be a quest.

It's looking better...duffle cut repaired, varnish gone, and I actually managed to find a cleaning rod for it!

WOW! World's better without that varnish. That stuff was THICK.
Very nice!

To be honest, I would consider making a new sight from scratch. All you need is some flat strip, a drill, a vice and a set of needle files...

You will not get the marking right, but at least it will be shootable* and you can replace it when you find an original. If nothing else it will improve your hand skills!

*You ARE going to shoot it of course?