Original French MLE 1866-74 Gras Infantry Converted Rifle Made in 1868 - Matching Serial G 5779 U.S. Ammo or destroyed

or destroyed

A very common practice by Fallschirmjäger (paratrooper) troops as it was easier to cut the rigging away

Painting measures 16 inches by 22 inches

The blade is in good condition

Original Item: Among the rarest of the rare

Original French MLE 1866-74 Gras Infantry Converted Rifle Made in 1868 - Matching Serial G 5779 U.S. Ammo or destroyedOriginal Item: Only One Available. The Fusil Gras Modle 1874 was a French service rifle of the 19th century. The first Gras rifles used by the French Army were a conversion to center fire of the Chassepot breech loading rifle by Colonel Basile Gras. This example was originally a needle fire Chassepot, the French ignition system introduced in 1866. It was a single shot bolt action rifle and was among the best of its kind at the type, being superior to