France WW1 era D-guard fighting knife made from M1874 Gras bayonet; original metal scabbard; rare type in museum quality condition

Description France WW1 D-guard fighting knife made from French M1874 Gras bayonet blade, original metal scabbard. Rare type in excellent overall condition, considering the age – hard-to-find this nice and complete. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM. Rare WW1 era French fighting dagger made from the cut-down French M1874/1878 Gras rifle bayonet  made in 1877 at St. Etienne arms plant, original metal scabbard is included. The single-shot Gras rifle and its extra-long bayonet were outdated by the time France entered WW1, so during the Great War “the Gras” was mostly provided to the second-line formations and colonial troops. As for the long and clumsy M1874 bayonet – a large quantity of them were cut-down and converted to fighting knives like this example in order to meet the demand for fighting knives early in the war. Many thousands of M1874 bayonets were cut-down to be used by the French infantry during the trench warfare. These modifications were done by numerous private enterprises, as well as at some French arsenals. Also, I happen to have one original, uncut M1874 Gras bayonet available for sale – please take a look. These cut-down bayonets-turned trench daggers were popular with the French infantrymen as they provided to be much handier in the close-quarters fighting than the standard-issue rifle bayonets or sabers. This is a simple, but practical and deadly sidearm. This fighter is about 13-3/8” / 34 cm overall; the blade is about 8-1/2” / 21.5 cm; “S” diamond-shaped inspector’s acceptance stamp on ricasso. Original leather-wrapped handle with the lug nut on the pommel, iron D-guard with integral blade catch on the opposite side. This specimen is in better than average condition for the type – original factory bluing and edge on the blade; no rust, edge nicks or dings on the spine. Original leather-wrapped handle is intact with no cuts or cracks; the D-guard is solid with no play; all parts are tight. Hard-to-find factory metal scabbard that was cut-down to fit the blade is included. This scabbard type is rare this nice and complete as these were often go missing. This rare original France WW1 D-guard fighting knife is in excellent overall shape, considering the age.  Over 100 years after it was made, this scarce France WW1 D-guard fighting knife/original metal scabbard is in 100% serviceable condition still. Today most of the surviving WW1 era French trench knives are in private collections & rarely come up for sale. This type is VERY hard to find these days in such an excellent condition; don’t miss your chance to add this attractive France WW1 D-guard fighting knife to your collection! For collectible knives and edged weapons Argocoins accepts payments via credit cards, personal checks drawn from US-based accounts, certified US-based bank checks, and money orders. Take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for mailing instructions and additional details. Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions. DUE TO INTERNATIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE DUAL-EDGE KNIVES THIS ITEM CAN NOT BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY, SORRY. FREE USPS PRIORITY MAIL shipping within the US for this item!