FWW French Flare Rifle

[4b1t]

Taking pics today and thought you might find this interesting.

It is a M1874 Gras that was converted to fire 25mm flares by the French during the First World War. The conversions were done by a Paris firm named Chobert. Opening the bolt allows the action to break open to load. It is the heaviest and most solidly built flare launcher I have ever picked up!

 

[gaff]

very cool.

 

[donor]

Neat.I've read about those long ago on French gun forums but even they didn't have any.They just posted some pictures of museum pieces in Italy I think.

Can you post picture of breach and how was bolt altered?

It looks like conversion to standard,run of the mill single shot shotgun type arrangement so I'm curious.Any markings/stamps?

 

[4b1t]

I'll take some better pics. Markings include standard Gras receiver markings and Chobert conversion markings on forward break action side plate. Yes, very similar locking mechanism to a double shotgun except hinge locking block is activated by bolt.