See also White & Watts items 201 & 203 pages 84 & 94/95. This actual specimen is illustrated in an article by Graham priest in classic Arms & Militaria magazine and is rare with only about 4 examples having been recorded. However, it is known that Portugal used a variant for their Portuguese Kropatschek navy rifle and this had a straight back hilt without the hump found on the other M1874’S. Many theories exist but as several other countries use and modified the M1874 bayonet there seems to be no conclusive proof as to which rifle this example fitted. Blade length 20 ½ “, total length including scabbard 25 ¾ “. Also the top of the muzzle ring has been ground off. To all intents and purpose it is an M1874 French Gras Bayonet, but this example does not have the French inscription on the blade spine and has a slightly wider grip and a straight backed hilt. This is a very rare Gras Type Bayonet for an unknown rifle.
French Model 1874 Type Bayonet and Scabbard.