Rating and value of Granger rifles

If you own a Granger rifle, and would like to know its value, as well as, if you don't know, the period and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services.

Our specialists will work to carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and provide you with an accurate estimate of its value on the current market.

Then, should you wish to sell your property, we will direct you to the best possible device to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of Granger rifles

Granger rifles are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and the state of preservation of the weapon.

Nowadays, the prices of these objects can increase considerably at the auctioneers' gavel.

Buyers from Europe are interested in sales of certain rare pieces. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €3,000 to €17,550, at the moment, a consequent discrepancy but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons.

A Granger rifle with 16/70 caliber locks was sold for €15,000 by Auctie's at the end of 2024, while it was estimated at between €8,000 and €15,000. 

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

History of Granger rifles  

Granger rifles, a product of the Saint-Etienne gunmaking tradition, bear witness to a rigorous technical mastery inscribed in the history of French ballistic innovation.

Designed with remarkable precision, these guns adopt innovative mechanisms from the outset, such as bolt or lever trigger guard systems, adapted to combine mechanical efficiency and rapid action.

The design of the barrels, often made from forged steel, meets strict criteria of balance and strength, guaranteeing reliable ballistic performance in a variety of conditions.

Aesthetically, Granger rifles are distinguished by delicate engravings and stocks fashioned from noble woods, such as walnut, whose grain is carefully highlighted.

These choices are not merely decorative considerations, but reflect particular attention to ergonomics and grip, optimizing use in the field.

The influence of Saint-Etienne tradition, combined with a quest for technical excellence, gives these rifles a notable place on the market, as much for their functional value as for their heritage interest.

Thus, just like the armes signées Nicolas Boutet, the pistolets à rouet ou encore les infantry-rifles, Granger rifles are prized and quoted weapons on the auction market.

Evolution of Granger rifle mechanisms

Granger rifles are distinguished by a marked technical evolution, testifying to an ability to integrate innovations while respecting the standards of precision and reliability that have made their reputation.

From the earliest production runs, the factory adopted central percussion mechanisms, improving safety and shooting speed compared to flintlock or capsule systems.

The introduction of selective double triggers, offering greater flexibility in shot selection, illustrates a desire to combine technicality and adaptability for demanding hunters and shooters.

Over time, bolt systems have become a Granger rifle signature, combining robustness and fluid handling.

These mechanisms, combined with micrometrically precise machined chambers, optimize internal ballistics and reduce the risk of pressure loss at the moment of firing.

In the field of barrels, the manufacture innovates with spiral forging processes, reinforcing strength while lightening the weapon, a sought-after feature for long hunting sessions.

Finally, stock finishes, sometimes incorporating adjustable adjustments for cheek rest or stock length, reflect a concern for ergonomics and customization, positioning Granger rifles at the forefront of functional and aesthetic equipment.

Freycon's engravings on Granger rifles

Freycon's engravings, featured on Granger rifles, embody a masterful fusion of craftsmanship and refinement, elevating these functional weapons to the status of true works of art.

This renowned engraver, active during the first half of the 20th century, deploys delicate compositions on the bascules and lock plates, blending hunting scenes and floral motifs of unrivalled finesse.

The engraved interlacing, often inspired by classical iconography, is characterized by millimetric precision, achieved through a rigorous and mastered chiseling technique, reminiscent of the traditions of steel engraving.

This ornamental work is not limited to aesthetics: Freycon's engravings also participate in enhancing the value of each piece, reinforcing the perception of exclusivity and prestige attached to Granger rifles.

The details of the animal scenes - deer in full run, partridge in flight - reveal a concern for realism that testifies to the artist's naturalistic eye.

By choosing themes that exalt the world of hunting, Freycon enriches the symbolism of these weapons, while maintaining a subtle balance between tradition and innovation, reflecting the values dear to the Granger manufacture.

Focus on the Granger 16/70 caliber bolt-action rifle.

This Granger 16/70 caliber bolt-action rifle (n°7340) brilliantly embodies the artisanal excellence of the Granger manufacture.

Featuring two sets of interchangeable barrels (70 cm and 72 cm), it elegantly adapts to a variety of hunting practices, combining precision and maneuverability.

The 375 mm English stock, with its delicately worked veins, offers a well-balanced grip, while the double trigger, the first of which is articulated, illustrates an attention to detail designed to optimize shooting comfort.

The eaglet lock, combined with an efficient ejector, gives the whole unit impeccable mechanics, a symbol of robustness and reliability. 

The refinement of this piece is sublimated by a masterful engraving by Freycon, where plant motifs and arabesques intertwine with finesse, highlighting the rocker and underlining the inscription "Camille Sipp Strasbourg", a guarantee of quality and prestigious origin.

The subtle nuances of the polished wood and the patina of the engraved steel reveal the meticulous care taken with every detail.

Delivered in its original case, this example, classified in category C1 and subject to declaration, stands out as a masterpiece that is both functional and artistic, ideal for demanding enthusiasts in search of a weapon blending tradition and timeless elegance.

Understanding the classification of weapons in France

The classification of weapons in France is framed by precise rules to ensure strict control over their acquisition and possession.

The categories

Weapons are divided into several categories, each governing specific levels of dangerousness and conditions of access :

-      Category A, reserved for the most dangerous weapons, are mainly weapons of war, which private individuals are not allowed to buy or hold. Article L. 312-2 of the French Internal Security Code stipulates that the possession and acquisition of these weapons is authorized solely to ensure public safety and national defense.

In addition, a Conseil d'Etat decree specifies certain exceptions and terms and conditions under which local authorities, general interest or cultural organizations may acquire category A weapons outside of public safety and national defense missions.

This decree also authorizes the possession of certain category A weapons for collection purposes, under strict conditions that must comply with France's international commitments.

-      Category B, subject to prefectoral authorization, mainly comprises handguns and certain semi-automatic long guns.

-      The Granger rifle with locks belongs to category C, which concerns weapons subject to declaration, such as shotguns or centerfire rifles.

-      Finally, category D covers weapons accessible under certain conditions, including reproductions of antique weapons or non-firearms.

Legal exceptions  

The internal security code also stipulates that the possession of category A, B and C weapons is prohibited for non-profit-making legal entities - the current exception for sports associations that have received a delegation from the Minister of Sport (article L. 131-14 of the Sports Code), and for associations whose statutory purpose is hunting.

Article L. 312-3 of the Internal Security Code also specifies the offences prohibiting a natural person from holding a category A, B or C weapon.

Legal obligations

At auctions, buyers of category B and C weapons must provide proof of identity as well as a valid hunting license, with its annual validation, or a sport shooting license.

For category B weapons, it is necessary to create an AIS (Weapons Information System) account, hold a medical certificate less than one month old issued by a psychiatrist or a doctor designated by the French Internal Security Code. The application is then validated or not after an administrative inquiry.

Auctioneers, in collaboration with approved experts, ensure compliance with regulations, guaranteeing rigorous traceability of weapons sold and their compliance with legal requirements. 

Knowing the value of a Granger rifle

If you happen to own a Granger rifle, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, not forgetting to send you ad hoc information about it.

If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.