December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2022
Gras Model 1874 manufactured at the St. Etienne arsenal in 1878 and subsequently modified in 1880 with an improved breechblock. The left side of the receiver is stamped "MANFACTURE D'ARMES/ St. Etienne" followed by "MLE 1874" above "M80". Left barrel flat bears the serial number below "P (STAR) G" followed by 2 encircled "M" and "J" controller proofs, while the right side is stamped with the issue date "S . 1878" above an "MA" proof. Right side of buttstock bears an additional "MA" proof, while buttplate exhibits a faint "113" stamp. Receiver and barrel are blued, while the bolt assembly, trigger guard, barrel bands, and buttplate are in-the-white. Receiver and barrel are housed within a 1-piece smooth wood stock. Numbers are mismatched. CONDITION: Blued components retain the majority of their blue finish, exhibit areas of wear and thinning showing through to brown patina, and light surface oxidation overall. In-the-white components have been cleaned and exhibit areas of pitting overall. Mirror bore, exhibiting well defined lands and grooves throughout. Stock has been sanded and revarnished, exhibiting some scattered handling and storage marks overall. From the Personal Collection of Esteemed Firearms Researcher and Collector Edwin F. Libby. MLW