A Gras Conversion of a Chassepot Rifle

[jmoore]

A Chassepot converted to metallic cartridge by the Gras "system". The circa 1869 bayonet is what actually prompted this thread. That and Patrick Chadwick!



























So why the doubled up reinforcement? And the split ring on the guard?

BTW, it's only unwieldy if the scabbard is left on whilst the bayonet is on the rifle! But I'm used to even older front loaders, so....

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Yes, that is a real Chassepot bayonet, made at the "Manufacture Imperiale de Chatellerault" in 1869. They fetch high prices here, very high with a scabbard. You have an excellent combination of rifle plus bayonet, and if you swing it round it should be very good at trimming those flowers!

But I am flummoxed by the split ring, unless they really were adjusted for a precision fit on the rail. (Nope, doesn't sound plausible to me either!)

BTW, the rifle is marked as I predicted, and the T.1872 and T.83 stand for "Transformé" i.e. modifications of 1872 and 1883 respectively. So your rifle, Chassepot Model of 1866 was upgraded no less than 4 times - in 1872, 1874, 1880, and 1883. Just about the complete set of changes, I think.


Patrick

[smellie]

Beautiful old rifle, jmoore.

If friend Patrick is right, you only need 3 more to have the set. And a completely-original Chassepot, of course.

And I thought Lee-Enfields were a problem. At least you can FIND Lee-Enfields!

I have run into both the Gras and the Chassepot converted into Shotguns with a big plate on the front of the Bolt and a (very) modified Extractor.

Original rifles are REALLY hard to find here.

Very nice..... and thanks for the pics.
.

[jmoore]

If friend Patrick is right, you only need 3 more to have the set. And a completely-original Chassepot, of course.

Wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit. Had a like new Mauser '71/'84 that I just never learned to like, and a Beaumont with the Vitalli magazine which was rather interesting, but other folk wanted 'em much more than I did. This kinda grody old Gras is the worst condition of them all, but I think I like it more. Why, I don't know. Probably the worst sights of the three. Whether it gets range time is questionable. Making up good rounds will cost way more than the rifle and bayonet!

[Warren]

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