French issue Gras sword / epee bayonet in issue scabbard.
£165
French issue Gras sword / epee bayonet in issue scabbard. Hilt with rivet retained walnut grip scales, brass pommel and steel cross guard with hooked quilon to the lower half struck with various French Ordnance issue and inspection marks. T section epee blade is struck with inspection stamps to the base and is signed MLE D’ARMES DE St ETTIENNE Mars 1878 to the top for manufacture at the French Government’s famous ordnance works at St Etienne in March of 1878. The left side of the blade with later electro stencilled rack or issue / museum number BD9567. In its regulation pattern blued steel scabbard with frog loop to the front, serial number not matching to the bayonet. Developed from the heavier brass handled Chassepot Yataghan bayonet the Gras has a lighter blade and wooden scales which made it a good weapon both when fitted to the rifle or as a standalone sword with its sharp pointed epee stabbing blade. In good condition with good well marked blade, working catch and a good scabbard with fading blue finish. A nice regulation French bayonet and scabbard.
