©D.Elvery-Knight.2020
# The law prohibits the sale to anyone under the age of 18. The Buyer accepts full responsibility for its use.
You are viewing an Antique piece of French Military History, this is a Circa 1881, M1874 French Gras Sword Bayonet with Hooked Quillon and Metal Scabbard made by Austrian OEWG in Steyr. The Gras has a unique 3 Edge Triangular Blade and is also known as a T Back Blade. The Gras's triangular blade is an excellent thrusting weapon and is also known as the Foil or Dueling Bayonet because of the exceptionally long blade. This particular example has been captured as indicated by the grind marks along the spine where the French markings have been removed which gives this bayonet some real provenance as to it's historical past. It was obviously used in the Franco Prussian War when the Imperial 4 Kingdoms of German Forces fought with France It also has the Austrian Steyr stamp of OEWG on the tang and the release button. Which makes this a must for any serious collector.
The M1874 replaced the M1866 Chassepot and eventually they were replaced by the French Model 1886 Lebel Quadiform Spike Bayonet also known as a "Rosalie".
These were basically a conversion of the M1866 Chassepot bayonet and were made to fit the French Bolt Action M1874 Infantry Rifle Fusil Gras M80 M1874, known as the Gras, aptly named after the French Army Officer who developed this gun conversion, "Colonel Basile Gras."
The M1874 has a very rich and very colorful history, it was used extensively in many wars and also by the famous French Foreign Legion, (French Légion étrangère,) a special elite military force, originally composed of foreign volunteers who were paid by France and gained the reputation as 'The World’s Premier Mercenary Corps."
The "Gras" was manufactured from 1874 to about 1885. The French wars during the "life-span" of this bayonet were:
- French Indo/China in 1873-1874 and 1882-1883
- Sino/French War 1883-1885
- Madagascar Wars 1883-1885 and 1895
- 1st Mandingo/French War 1883-1886
- 1st Dahomeyan/French War 1889-1990
- 2nd Dahomeyan/French War 1892-1894
- 2nd Mandingo/French War 1894-1895
- Conquest of Chad 1897-1914
- 3rd Mandingo/French War 1898
- Moroccan War 1907-1912
- World War I
This particular bayonet was manufactured in the Steyr Armoury in Austria (OEWG) for the French, it has been obviously captured as indicated by the grind marks along the spine where the french markings have been removed. French bayonets are engraved on the spine of the blade with the factory, month, and year of production.
M1874 Gras has a solid brass pommel with a push spring steel latching mechanism. The hand-grips are made of 2 pieces of contoured wood. The crossguard is steel with the upper guard being the muzzle-ring, lower guard forming a hooked "blade-breaker" quillon. The steel blade is graduating 3 edge triangular. The scabbard is a sheet-rolled blued steel graduating oval tube with a raised belt bar and a ball finial.
#The makers and inspection marks are:
- CROSS GUARD: "S - 62708".
- QUILLON: "Star over V within an oval" - "M within an oval" - "Star over T within an oval"
- SCABBARD: "F H 77419".
- SCABBARD BALL TIP: "3" - "0 within a diamond"
- RELEASE BUTTON: "OEWG" Steyr Armory in Austria
- TANG: "OEWG" Steyr Armory in Austria
CONDITION: This item is Antique, used, and it is in good condition for its age and use in warfare. The brass pommel is bright with some normal marks consistent with use. The wood grips are complete with some marks and both sides are in very good condition and are a good tight fit, the release button spring is in working order. The blade has a bright polished finish with no stain and no pitting. The edge is not sharp and has NO dings. The remaining metal on the cross-guards has an aged grey patina finish and also has some normal wear and marks. The scabbard has a blackened finish with some wear and marks to the finish, it has no dents, and it fits tightly together with the bayonet. # Please note: The Photographs form part of the description; Super-sized photos can show up the finer details and condition.
- Photos do not show the actual size so please read the description page to get the exact measurements.
- Colors may display differently, depending on your computer and settings.
- Highly reflective shiny items, such as metals, silver, gold, jewels, and glass reflect everything (including us!) and create optical illusions.
- The item featured the Photos is the exact one that you will receive.
- The lead photo has had the background removed with Photoshop, all the original untouched photos are also included to view.
- Any errors will be accidental and not intentional or purposely misleading.
WEIGHT & MEASUREMENTS: Item is measured in both centimeters and inches that are rounded to the nearest quarter inch.
WEIGHT: 830 gm. approximately unpacked. (Bayonet and scabbard together)
BAYONET ALONE:
- LENGTH: 64 cm / 25"
- WIDTH: 10 cm / 4" (at the crosspiece)
- DEPTH: 3 cm (at the pommel including the button.)
- MUZZLE RING: 18 mm. Diameter
- BLADE: 52 cm / 20½" Length (not including handle)
SCABBARD: 53.5 cm / 21" Length.
All measurements are approximate only.
WHY BUY FROM US?:
I guarantee to provide you a first-class 5★ service, I offer a 30-Day Return Policy, Express Post Service. Please check my positive feedback for reassurance & buy with total confidence, your item will be as described, shipped quickly and packed with care.
- 100% AUTHENTIC ITEMS unless otherwise stated.
- PACKAGE WITH CARE.
- FAST & FREE SHIPPING - GET IT FAST - Pay before 11 am Mon to Fri for same day dispatch. After 11 am Guaranteed 1 Day dispatch.
- 30 DAY RETURN POLICY.
- SECURE PAYMENT VIA PAYPAL - PAYPAL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
- DETAILED PRODUCT DESCRIPTION.
- PROVEN CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE. Over 4000 Happy Customers with positive feedback
POSITIVE FEEDBACK RECEIVED
- 5 ☆☆☆☆☆ Seller beautiful items professional packaging very pleased thank you
- Quickly delivery. Well wrapped and as described. Thank you.
- ★If only everything was as easy as dealing with you|A real pleasure|5★'s PLUS!
- * GOOD FAST SERVICE + WELL PACKED * BUY WITH CONFIDENCE * HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *
- A Super Duper eBay Seller! I highly recommend knightsgold to one and all.
- Really happy with my purchase. As advertised, well packaged and arrived on time.
- Awesome seller. Item was packed very well and exactly as described.
ABOUT US
We love Art, Antiques, Vintage Collectables and Handcrafted Items and are avid collectors of unusual art crafted from Natural Materials
I have years of retail experience including my own Shop with family history along with a lifetime of collecting prior to eBay. We restore some of our antique pieces, where we can, any restoration work will be noted in the description.
I have a large range which is predominately Militaria and Wood and Metal Craft, such as Bronze, Brass, Copper, Silver, Silver Plate, Pewter and Cast Iron.
We also stock Carved Stone, Art Pottery, in fact, everything handmade from Natural Materials and especially unusual items. such as Statues, Figurines, Sculptures, Door Hardware, Vases, Hollowware, and Flat Ware.
We also sell NEW handmade Fashion items such as Hand Knitted Novelty Wool Hats and Beanies, Hemp, Silk, Velvet and Cotton Bags, Purses and Wallets. Jewelry and Accessories. |