France, Third Republic. A Model 1874 Gras Bayonet Archive (Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 Medaille

(Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 Medaille

A gold grade mother’s cross “Mutterehrenkreuz”

and Granton Naval Base Medal for Zeal (silver

the reverse displays oxidation and the loss of the attachment loop

A hollow slot set into the guard retains a paper label bearing a size mark of “59”

France, Third Republic. A Model 1874 Gras Bayonet Archive (Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 MedailleA good example of this type with engraved script on spine dated 1876, well stamped on blade as well as guard, measuring 52 cm long blade, extremely fine. Footnote: 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