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

A gold grade mother’s cross “Mutterehrenkreuz”

His awards include: the Legion of Merit: Legionnaire Grade

and on October 8th of that year

the reverse displays oxidation and the loss of the attachment loop

the class of the Holy Crown and the Collar was instituted which was awarded exclusively to chiefs of state

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