Bidspirit auction | French Model 1874 Gras Bayonet

French Model 1874 Gras Bayonet Dated 1878 - A French Model 1874 Gras bayonet, manufactured at the State Arsenal of Saint-Etienne. The weapon features a long, slender steel blade with a characteristic T-shaped cross-section, tapering to a sharp point. This pattern was specifically designed for the Fusil Gras M80 1874 rifle. The hilt is composed of two wooden grip scales secured by two rivets. It includes a solid brass pommel containing a mortise slot and a spring-loaded locking catch. The iron crossguard is fitted with a muzzle ring and a distinctive forward-facing hooked quillon terminating in a ball finial. The spine of the blade bears an engraved cursive inscription reading Mre d'Armes de St Etienne 1878. A small inspection mark stamped with the letter K is located on the crossguard. A stamped numeral 2 is visible within the pommel mortise slot.