For sale is a French M1874 Gras cavalry carbine (Tulle) from the Ethiopian cache. They're all unusual, this one is no exception.
Originally an infantry length rifle, at least the stock definitely was.
Apparently the Ethiopians hated rear sights, and removed them whenever they had a chance. This one appears to have never had one.
Markings, as far as I have been able to tell, roughly translate to 'Ras Bitweded Mengesha', 'Ras' meaning 'Lord' or the equivalent of 'Duke'. Mengesha was a leader during the First Italo-Ethiopoan War. Very possible this piece was at Adwa.
All I have done to this is wipe it down. It needs a thorough going over, bore is very worn, needs a rod ran through it a couple hundred times. Rifling still visible.
Interesting sidenote: As 11mm Gras is almost unobtanium, shooters are buying .410 adapters and firing .410 slugs through these. Look up the vids.
Great historical piece that has seen quite a bit of service.
Update: I have been informed that the '5 H' on the buttplate is the 5th Hussars. One more historical tidbit to add to this carbine!
Update number 2! Have finally gotten around to running a rod through the barrel. Rifling is worn, but I'm surprised that the bore is as good as it is.
Originally an infantry length rifle, at least the stock definitely was.
Apparently the Ethiopians hated rear sights, and removed them whenever they had a chance. This one appears to have never had one.
Markings, as far as I have been able to tell, roughly translate to 'Ras Bitweded Mengesha', 'Ras' meaning 'Lord' or the equivalent of 'Duke'. Mengesha was a leader during the First Italo-Ethiopoan War. Very possible this piece was at Adwa.
All I have done to this is wipe it down. It needs a thorough going over, bore is very worn, needs a rod ran through it a couple hundred times. Rifling still visible.
Interesting sidenote: As 11mm Gras is almost unobtanium, shooters are buying .410 adapters and firing .410 slugs through these. Look up the vids.
Great historical piece that has seen quite a bit of service.
Update: I have been informed that the '5 H' on the buttplate is the 5th Hussars. One more historical tidbit to add to this carbine!
Update number 2! Have finally gotten around to running a rod through the barrel. Rifling is worn, but I'm surprised that the bore is as good as it is.
