Antique French Bayonet Mre. d'Armes de St. Etienne Janvier 1879 with Scabbard

A very nice early example of the long bladed bayonet for the French Fusil Modele 1874 "Gras" Rifle, first developed as a cartridge conversion of their Chassepot Fusil modele 1866 Needle Fire Rifle. The attachment dimensions were the same as the Chassepot, so the original "Yataghan" saber bayonets also fit, but the more modern straight design with the reinforced spine had superior penetrating power against any type of armor.

Measures 26" long and 4" wide.