Description
French M1874 Gras bayonet dated 1879, original metal scabbard included; excellent overall condition, considering the age. This type was used from Sino-French War all the way through WW1.
Original French M1874/1878 Gras rifle bayonet made in 1879 with original uncut blade. The single-shot Gras rifle and its extra-long bayonet were outdated by the time France entered WW1, so during the Great War “the Gras” was mostly provided to the second-line formations and colonial troops. As for the long and clumsy M1874 bayonet – a large quantity of them were cut-down and converted to fighting knives in order to meet the demand for fighting knives early in the war. Many thousands of M1874 bayonets were cut-down to be used by the French infantry during the trench warfare – I have a couple of such examples actually available for sale. These modifications were done by numerous private enterprises, as well as at some French arsenals.
This original, uncut 1879-dated bayonet is about 25-3/5″ / 64.5 cm overall; the blade is about 20-1/2″ / 52 cm. Original arsenal proof marks on the handle and all-metal scabbard are nice and sharp. No edge nicks or rust on the blade; the tip is intact. This French WW1 M1874 Gras bayonet is in excellent overall condition, considering the age. All parts are tight with no play; a few light contact marks on the bronze pommel are noted for accuracy. Original metal scabbard has over 90% of it’s original bluing remaining; no dents or rust; it is in excellent shape, considering the age.
This French M1874 Gras bayonet has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, the set is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos. I have a few more European WW1 era military knives and bayonets, as well as several scarce WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in the store’s Militaria section.
Argocoins accepts all major credit cards and check payments for edged weapons. Please email me at info@argocoins.com if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Old-fashioned checks and money orders will work just as well; please take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions.
USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. WILL BE $32 FOR THIS ITEM
International shipping for this item will be $99 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.
