French Model 1874 “Gras” Sword Bayonet

This bayonet was the last of the French “sword-type” bayonets. It was manufactured to fit the French Model 1874 “Gras” Infantry Rifle, basically a refinement of the Model 1866 Chassepot Infantry Rifle. The “Gras” was manufactured from 1874 to about 1885.

This bayonet has a solid brass pommel with integral latching mechanism (push-button/spring-steel). Grips are wood. Crossguard is steel, usually “blued,” with upper guard being the muzzle-ring, lower guard forming a hooked “blade-breaker” quillon.