^Lot 497 Antique French Gras MLE 1866-74 Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle

Antique French Gras MLE 1866-74 Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle, #M45852, 11x59Rmm cal., 20'' barrel, blued finish; brass trigger guard, barrel bands, and buttplate. Hardwood stock. Inverted-''V'' front sight and adjustable folding leaf rear sight with square notch, graduated to 1100 meters. Includes a steel ramrod that has been repaired. Rifle is of approximate size as issued to French artillery units. Left side of the receiver is marked ''MANUFACTURE D'ARMES/St Entienne/MLE 1866-74''. Right side of the barrel shank is dated ''S.1873'' and ''T.1878.''. There is a faint, partially visible cartouche on left side of the buttstock. Condition overall is good, retaining approx. 80% thinning and toning blue. Brass parts have lightly toned with age. Wood is good with a more noticeable scratch to left side of the forend and right side of the buttstock. Additionally, there is a 1.5'' crack to left side of the buttstock, adjacent the buttplate. Action operates smoothly. Bore is dark with visible pitting and fair rifling. Est.: $300-$500. (Antique