French Model 1874 Gras bayonet

St. Etienne 1879 marked. Blade VG with some surface corrosion near crossguard. No dents in scabbard. The Gras was the last of the French sword type bayonets, being manufactured from 1874 until about 1885. It replaced the 1866 Chassepot bayonet and was replaced itself by the 1886 Lebel bayonet. The unique and well made “T” backed epee style blade was a departure from the previous Yataghan blades and was only suitable for thrusting. Spine marked St. Etienne March 1879.