Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice early example of the long bladed bayonet for the French Fusil Modèle 1874 "Gras" Rifle, first developed as a cartridge conversion of their Chassepot Fusil modèle 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.

These were very often cut down or altered later on in their service life, though this one was not. The T-shaped spine of the bayonet is marked M're d'Armes de Chat Mars 1883, indicating original Manufacture at d'Armes de Châtellerault, during March, 1883. The Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault ("Châtellerault Weapons Factory"), often abbreviated to MAC, was a French state-owned weapons manufacturer in the town of Châtellerault, Vienne. It was created by a royal decree of 14 July 1819 to manufacture swords, then (after 1850) firearms and cannons. Antoine Treuille de Beaulieu in 1840 began to develop the concept of rifled artillery at Châtellerault for the French Army. The Lebel Model 1886 rifle, the first military firearm to use smokeless powder ammunition and the primary French infantry weapon during World War I, was developed and produced here.

It is in good condition, with some evidence of past oxidation. The wood of the handle is nicely worn, and the brass pommel has a yellow green patina.

A good example of a hard to find bayonet, slightly shortened and ready to add to your French edged weapon collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 20 1/2"
Blade Style: T-shaped
Overall length: 25"
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 23"

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.