Gras bayonet, 1874 model, modified to fit Gewehr 1888, French (1880)

Title	Gras bayonet, 1874 model, modified to fit Gewehr 1888
Nationality	French
Period	1880

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This was initially made for the French Gras rifle in 1880 by L. Deny of Paris and has all the usual French arsenal/inspectors' stamps, as well as matching numbers to hilt and scabbard. The chief interest of this, however, is the modification of the hilt to accept the model 1888 Mauser service rifle.

John Walter's book The German Bayonet refers to this on p.78. The back of the hilt has been very carefully ground down to accept the muzzle fittings of the Gewehr 88.

An element of the press stud is missing, the grip is heavily oil stained and there is mild corrosion to the last 4" on both sides of the blade. The scabbard has an even brown patina with minor traces of factory blue. The guard has a light grey shading to brown patina.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : French : 19th Century]

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