MikeyH Posted 17 October , 2021 Share Posted 17 October , 2021 (edited) Acquired for a modest sum, this March 1880 St. Etienne example has had the blade cut down to 12-1/2"/318 mm. The blade was heavily corroded, but has cleaned up reasonably well, with some residual pitting marks. Fighting knife conversions are usually shorter, and those in often encountered postwar fireside companion sets, have the blades at around normal length with a rounded tip for use as a poker. The tip on this one is heavily marked, some of which look a little like hammer blows. The curious suede hand stitched sheath has been with the bayonet for many years, well worn, with the tip having worn a hole to one side. Any suggestions as to it's usage? Mike. Edited 17 October , 2021 by MikeyH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekb Posted 17 October , 2021 Share Posted 17 October , 2021 I would suggest that it ha been used as a poker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyH Posted 17 October , 2021 Author Share Posted 17 October , 2021 Derek, Meant to include that in my now edited post. I had thought of that. Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBsk Posted 17 October , 2021 Share Posted 17 October , 2021 Looks like polished pommel, the blade is with not real tip ended, so this add as a war period shortage would be probably strong, anyway germans used ASG88/98 in 310mm blade lenght, about the handle it looks like nor reworked for using with german rifle, serial number speaks it was with a conversion Chassepot M66-74 probably. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMB1943 Posted 17 October , 2021 Share Posted 17 October , 2021 (edited) Mike, Don't the Gras bayonets usually have the Maker/date of manufacture engraved on spine? Regards, JMB EDIT: I have assumed engraving; was it actually a stamping? EDIT: Mars 1880, St. Etienne !!! Edited 17 October , 2021 by JMB1943 Add info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyH Posted 17 October , 2021 Author Share Posted 17 October , 2021 (edited) I can find no evidence of use as a poker, would have expected heavy blackening to tip. Maybe scorch marks to sheath.... JMB, yes the usual nice markings to the spine, am unsure if engraved or stamped. Mike. Edited 17 October , 2021 by MikeyH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zuluwar2006 Posted 17 October , 2021 Share Posted 17 October , 2021 Dear friends, The leather sheath indicates that is a post war convertion (shortage) for garden use mayebe??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMB1943 Posted 18 October , 2021 Share Posted 18 October , 2021 Mike, Somebody had asked the "engraved or stamped" question regarding Gras & Chassepot bayonets, on another forum. The answer was that a "rolling stamp" was used; however, I do not quite understand how a stamp can roll to strike an 85 mm inscription on a Gras spine. Perhaps Google is my friend. Regards, JMB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyBsk Posted 18 October , 2021 Share Posted 18 October , 2021 It should be done so,large tubus with positive inscription by pressing would cause a negative inscription on the subject,similar way are done crest on receiver of gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now