France, Third Republic. A Model 1874 Gras bayonet Auction Clark & Company (Printers) Limited

Clark & Company (Printers) Limited of Ilford

which was in place in the capital city of Beijing from 1912 to 1928

aircraft numbers were severely reduced due to economic pressures

maker marked “Klein & Quenzer AG

France, Third Republic. A Model 1874 Gras bayonet Auction Clark & Company (Printers) LimitedA good example of this type, well stamped on blade as well as guard, measuring 52 cm long blade that has some pitting, very 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 blades and was only