French Model 1874 “gras” Bayonet – Saint-étienne Arms Factory, 1878

France, Third Republic, late 19th century

French Model 1874 service bayonet, known as the “Gras,” designed for the infantry rifle of the same name. This military edged weapon, characteristic of the late 19th century, reflects the equipment of the French army during a period of significant transition in the history of weaponry.

The blade bears the mark of the Saint-Étienne Arms Factory, along with the date 1878. The guard features several hallmarks stamped into the metal, including a “J” inscribed within a rectangle, an “M” within an oval, and a third hallmark shaped like a crown or a fleur-de-lis.

The piece retains its wooden-plated handle, its metal mount, and its brass pommel, as well as its black-painted metal scabbard.

Condition: original condition, with signs of wear, patina, and superficial oxidation on the metal parts. The scabbard is present. The serial numbers on the bayonet and the scabbard are different. The photos are representative of the overall condition and details.

An interesting piece for a collector of 19th-century French militaria, particularly for the study of the standard equipment of the French army under the Third Republic.

Antique collector’s item, sold as-is.

Blade length: 52 cm
Total length with scabbard: 66 cm