French Model 1874 Gras Bayonet St. Etienne/Frog/Belt

Serial #N51503. This 1878-dated bayonet measures 25 3/8 overall, with a 20 1/2 straight, T-shaped blade. The steel has an overall pewter silver patina with almost no freckling, and very light oxidation along the spine. The hooked quillon and muzzle-ring have a darker, mottled patina, while the brass pommel has a nice copper ocher color with just a hint of verdigris were it meets the wood. The wooden grip panels are in excellent condition with only minor handling marks in the original oil finish. The N9399 numbered scabbard has 85+% of the original blue remaining and light oxidation. This group is complete and ready to display with the correct frog and belt, both are in excellent condition and marked, 139 on the frog and 162 on the belt. This is a fine example of a Gras bayonet group overall.