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French GRAS bayonet alterations??
LYM - LYT
Member Posts: 81 ✭✭
I recently bought a GRAS (Paris 1881) bayonet that had been long-ago altered to fit the German 1888 Commission rifle....any good BUDDY out there that knows about these sturdy 'ersatzen' ?? ...thanx,, LYM - LYT
Comments
The earlier 1866 Chassepot bayonet was similarly converted.
http://www.worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/Germany__Imperial_/germany__imperial_.html#TopPage
http://www.worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/France/france.html#TopPage
http://www.worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/Germany__Imperial_/germany__imperial_.html#TopPage
Not a lot, but Janzen's Notebook lists the conversion on page 96, noting, "No 3- French Model 1874 Gras conversion"- A solid Brass cast grip and new crossguard have been added to this blade. Later, due to the scarcity of most metals, these bayonets were recalled for their brass content. These fit the Gew 98 and 88."
The earlier 1866 Chassepot bayonet was similarly converted.
LYM - LYT, I suggest that you Email Ralph at World of Bayonets with detailed close ups of all the markings. Sometimes an obscure mark can tell the unit it was issued to. Ralph is a wealth of bayo info, I get a history lesson every time I walk a gun show with him.
If you have specific questions, I could try to help.