Overview
This bayonet is dated 1880 on the blade spine, it has a makers name on the spine as well, but I am not sure what it says. Satin finished blade with flat spine and spear point, .440" blade stock at the guard and .800" blade depth, mortise tang construction. The handle has a steel guard with wood scales, brass butt, steel frame and release button on one side to attach and release it from the rifle. Comes with original metal scabbard. Guard has some markings on it, and a number "80537" Has some scratches and patina, but that is to be expected, it is 140 years old. Good condition for its age.
Comes with some info about the sword:
This bayonet was the last of the French "sword-type" bayonets. It was manufactured to fit the French Model 1874 "Gras" Infantry Rifle, basically a refinement of the Model 1866 Chassepot Infantry Rifle. The "Gras" was manufactured from 1874 to about 1885. This bayonet has a solid brass pommel with integral latching mechanism. Grips are wood. Crossguard is steel, usually "blued" with upper guard being the muzzel-ring, lower guard forming a hooked "blade-breaker" quillon. Blades are steel and triangular in form. The blades are usually marked on the back edge with the arsenal, month and year of manufacture. This one is marked "Paris Oudry 1880".