Original French Modèle 1866-74 M80 Brass Mounted Gras Camel Short Rifle by St. Etiénne - Serial F 71956 Bayonets in this case a combination

in this case  a combination of "S's and F's"

which was simply a shortened version of their full name

but only the short range leaf is still intact

though the top line is hard to read due to oxidation:

Original French Modèle 1866-74 M80 Brass Mounted Gras Camel Short Rifle by St. Etiénne - Serial F 71956 Bayonets in this case a combinationOriginal Item: Only One Available. This lovely little brass mounted CAMEL SHORT RIFLE CARBINE was issued for "Colonial Service", as indicated by the brass mounts, and it definitely has had a long and interesting history! It was actually originally produced as a Modle 1866 'Chassepot' Needle Fire rifle, and was then later converted to a Mle 1866 74 'Gras' Rifle. The left side of the receiver is marked St. Etinne M. 80 next to MLE 1866 74 indicating