11mm French Issue Model 1874 Gras M 80 Infantry Rifle with unusual stamps - U.V.F. and CLYDE VALLEY. 

Ref Number: GRC 102
Price: £950
Description:
A 11mm French Issue GRAS RIFLE patt 1874 M 80, Walnut Stocked with Reg Brass Furniture, a good sleeper from a very good local collection,Good working action, two bands held in place with springs, orignal ram rod,... This one is very unusual in that it has a small plaque attached to the right-hand side of the stock with the wording ... "French Gras Rifle 1875" as if it has been on display in a collection or Volunteer Club, also it has the wording stamped on the Butt Plate .... " CLYDE VALLEY" and " U.V.F. implying this rifle came from the famous Gun Running Ship the SS Clyde Valey which landed Arms for the Ulster Volunteer Force on the night of the 25th April 1914 along with two other sister ships during the "Home Rule Crisis" (many of us dealers in ulster wondered why so many Gras Bayonts and rifles where here in Northern Ireland some stamped with the UVF Stamp some altered to fit other guns , some found in old UVF staches orignal and untouched,only fit for the GRAS RIFLE perhaps now we have proof ? positive !)
either way this is a very Rare and Sought After Rifle with a very long history, and with the connection to the History of Northern Ireland and our Home Rule and Ulster Volunteer Force,it will be a very unusual addition to a good collection. The orignal Bayonet which came with this Rifle is for sale on this site see GB 201
click on photo to enlarge, trevor.falconer@btconnect.com
07708 661417























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