France, Third Republic. A Model 1874 Gras Bayonet Archive A gold grade mother’s cross

A gold grade mother’s cross “Mutterehrenkreuz”

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

(Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 Medaille

the front panel extensively soiled

the lid bearing the inscription "LEGION OF MERIT" above "LEGIONNAIRE" framed by two wavy rules

France, Third Republic. A Model 1874 Gras Bayonet Archive A gold grade mother’s crossA 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