*France, M1874 T-Back Gras Sword Bayonet, Dated August 1876, Made at d' Armes St. Etienne*
Marked on the Spine: Mre d' Armes St. Etienne Aout 1876
Marked on the ricasso: M in a circle. S in a diamond.
Approximate Measurements:
52.2cm blade, 64.3cm overall
This bayonet was manufactured to fit the French Model 1874 “Gras” Infantry Rifle, a refinement of the Model 1866 Chassepot Infantry Rifle that enabled use of the 11.15 x 59 mm. centerfire cartridge, the M1874 rifle is referred to as the Gras, after the French Army officer who developed the conversion, Colonel Basile Gras. The “Gras” was manufactured from 1874 to about 1885. This bayonet was the last of the French “sword-type” bayonets.
The blade is marked on the back-edge (opposite the bottom cutting edge) with the arsenal, month, and year of manufacture; in engraved cursive writing “Mre d’ Armes de St. Etienne aout 1876”, there are some proof marks on the quillon and the ricasso. This bayonet has a solid brass pommel with integral latching mechanism (push-button/spring-steel). Grips are wood. Cross guard is steel, “blued,” with upper guard being the muzzle-ring, lower guard forming a hooked “blade-breaker” quillon. Blade is 522mm – steel triangular (3-edge) in form (very sturdy as a thrusting weapon), 643mm overall.
The Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS) was a state-owned French weapons manufacturer located in Saint-Étienne, Loire. Established in 1764, it later became part of the defense conglomerate GIAT Industries in 2001. Initially, the factory operated under a unique system where private contractors, known as entrepreneurs, managed production. These contractors were responsible for purchasing materials and paying workers using their own funds, with the government buying the final products at a cost plus 20 percent. Leftover materials could be used by the entrepreneur for private commercial sales, and these privately sold examples were typically undated.
*Condition*
Given its age, the markings on the spine are surprisingly clear, the blade has age related tarnishing, pitting and rusting, the cross guard also has some pitting. The grip is in good condition, the button works well. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQDEXHE_8975180162
