Bidspirit auction | French Model 1874 Gras Sword

French Model 1874 Gras Sword Bayonet St. Etienne 1878 - A French Model 1874 Gras rifle sword bayonet manufactured at the St. Etienne arms factory. The item features a long steel blade with a characteristic T-section profile designed for thrusting. The spine of the blade is engraved with cursive script reading Manufacture d'Armes de St Etienne Aout 1878. The hilt is constructed with two contoured walnut grip scales fastened with steel rivets and a solid brass pommel with a bird's-head profile. The iron crossguard incorporates a muzzle ring and a recurved forward-facing quillon ending in a rounded ball terminal. The brass pommel contains a T-shaped mounting slot and a spring-loaded locking catch for attachment to a rifle. This lot is offered without a scabbard.