French 1874 Pattern Gras Bayonet

A very good example of this 19th century French bayonet which was originally made for the French Model 1874 Gras Infantry Rifle, manufactured from 1874 to about 1885
It has a solid brass pommel with push-button latching mechanism. the grips are wood and the cross guard is steel with a muzzle ring and hooked quillon, which is numbered and stamped with proof marks. This is all in very good condition, the brass parts are toned and the grips show some wear but have a good untouched patina.
The blade is steel and triangular, with two edges and a broad spine. The spine is clearly engraved with the arsenal, ‘Mre d' Armes de St. Etienne Janvier 1880’. The blade is nice, clean and free from any rust or pitting. There is some light wear, where it has been pulled from the scabbard countless times.
The scabbard is basically a rolled steel tube with a ball finial, It is stamped with numbers on the back of the frog loop.
All in all a good grade bayonet which is untouched from any restoration.
It measures; 26 inches long.

Code: 26020