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

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]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

I collected my iron cross this am from the sorting office. Thank you for the medal; as before it's a very nice one. Thank you for your prompt service and I look forward to purchasing more in the future from you and your wonderful site.

J B, UK, 07.12.2006

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