This bayonet was the last of the French "sword-type" bayonets. It was manufactured to fit the French Model 1874 "Gras" Infantry Rifle. The "Gras" was manufactured from 1874 until 1885.
This bayonet is complete with its original matching scabbard.
The “T” section epee blade is in excellent condition and is engraved on the spine with the Chatelleault armoury name and the production date of April 1882. The ricasso is stamped with three French inspection poincon and the obverse ricasso bears the numeral “3.”
The solid brass pommel has a press stud and external spring locking mechanism which works perfectly. The wooden grip scales are in great condition. The steel Cross-guard is marked with an italicised “AC”” (AC) and the number “28134.” The "blade-breaker" quillon is marked with three inspection poincon. The front of the cross-guard bears additional poincon and numeral stamps and the spine of the tang has been stamped with “1 C 143.”
The rolled steel scabbard is stamped with “AC 28134” on the throat with the additional marks “C,, X, I, C, G and 6” and two poincon marks. The scabbard has an unusual cut section mid-way down. I have only seen this a couple of times and always on Gras bayonets. I believe that it may be a "sold out of service" identifier. The ball finial at the foot of the scabbard bears three inspection poincon.
This is a fine and well marked example of a late production Gras bayonet.
