French, 1881, Model 1874 Gras Bayonet, Tulle Manufacture, No Scabbard

*French, 1881, Model 1874 Gras Bayonet, Tulle Manufacture, No Scabbard*

An original French Model 1874 Gras sword bayonet, designed for use with the 11mm Gras rifle. This example measures 38.3cm blade length and 50.4cm overall, with a straight, fullered T-back blade. The hilt features a brass pommel with T-slot and spring catch, wooden grips secured by domed rivets, and a hooked quillon crossguard. The blade spine is engraved in flowing script: “Mre d’Armes de Tulle Janvier 1881”, confirming manufacture at the state arsenal in Tulle in January 1881. The crossguard is stamped with the serial number “BY 25154”, and further French inspector’s marks are present on the ricasso and tang. Scabbard absent.

Historical Note:
The M1874 bayonet was developed for the Gras rifle, a conversion of the earlier Chassepot system, adapted to fire the new 11×59mmR metallic cartridge. Designed under Colonel Basile Gras, the rifle and bayonet were adopted into French service in 1874. These sword bayonets, with their distinctive straight T-section blades, remained in issue well into the First World War, often reissued to colonial and second-line units after the Lebel rifle replaced the Gras. Bayonets were manufactured at the state factories of Châtellerault, St. Étienne, and Tulle, with commercial and foreign contractors also supplementing production.

This example, produced at Tulle in 1881, falls squarely within the main period of Gras manufacture and service, representing the classic French military bayonet of the late 19th century.

*Condition*
The bayonet remains in solid original condition. The blade shows areas of dark age patina and light pitting consistent with service use and storage, but retains its crisp T-back form and clear factory/date engraving. The brass hilt has developed a mellow patina with light marks from age. Wooden grips are complete and well-fitted, with some wear but no cracks. Locking mechanism intact and functional. Absence of scabbard noted. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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