Fusil Gras mle 1874

It was developed from 1872 to 1874 as a response to the German adoption of the Mauser Model 1871 metallic cartridge rifle.

[3] The French Army set up a study group in September 1872 that chose the metallic over the paper cartridge.

Colonel Gras proposed a modification of the Chassepot to accept metal cartridges and on 7 July 1874, the French Army chose his design over the M1871 Beaumont rifle.

It became the favourite weapon of Greek guerrilla fighters,[4] from the various revolts against the Ottoman Empire to the resistance against the Axis, acquiring legendary status.

The name entered the Greek language, and grades (γκράδες) was a term colloquially applied to all rifles during the first half of the 20th century.

Mle. 1874 Gras Rifle Mfg in 1877 at St. Etienne Arsenal
samples of the Greek M1939 bayonet
The Model 1874 sword bayonet.
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization anti-Ottoman guerrilla with Gras rifles, circa 1903.