Original French M1874 Gras Bayonet – 1878 St. Étienne – Matching Scabbard – WWI Era

Type

Military

original French M1874 “Gras” bayonet, manufactured at the St. Étienne arsenal in 1878. This genuine military-issue bayonet was designed for the Gras rifle and was later reissued during World War I, making it a true piece of 19th- and early 20th-century military history. Features: • Model: M1874 “Gras” Bayonet • Manufacturer: Manufacture d’Armes de St. Étienne • Production Year: 1878 (clearly marked on spine) • Matching Serial Number: B 43072 (on both blade and scabbard) • Blade Type: Straight, single-edged steel blade with a sharply tapered point (approx. 20.5 inches) • Handle: Original wood grips with brass fittings • Scabbard: Original metal scabbard (matching number) Condition: • Blade is in very good condition with clear arsenal and date markings on the spine. • Wood grip is intact and unmodified, with no cracks or major chips. • Scabbard and guard show surface rust, consistent with age. The item has not been cleaned, altered, or polished—it remains in as-found condition to preserve authenticity. • Overall a complete and well-preserved example for collectors, reenactors, or historical displays. This is a real piece of 19th-century military history, not a reproduction. Matching bayonets with intact arsenal marks and matching scabbards are becoming increasingly hard to find—especially with no restoration or cleaning.