French Gras Model 1874 Rifle Bayonet

A bronze spearhead with projecting midribs, long folded socket, decorated by concentric horizontal lines at the base and beneath the blade, horizontal triangles and vertical grooves along the shaft; triangular blade with round shoulders, ornamented by vertical lines running parallel to the midrib; pair of holes on the lower part of the shaft for attachment to a wooden haft. 562 grams, 55 cm

Fine condition.

Ex important Japanese collection, 1970s-2010.

The spearhead, cast in one piece, belongs to the type VIII, subtype B (triangular blade) of the Khorasani classification. Similar spearheads were excavated by Dr Negahban in the Marlik necropolis (tomb 1, trench III D) and are preserved in the National Museum of Iran, Teheran.

A double-edged sword of Petersen Type L or S variant with straight tapering blade, light traces of pattern-welding and battle-nicks along the blade, tapering fullers and a sturdy long tang; boat-shaped lower guard curving gently towards the blade, decorated with punched ring-and-dot ornament along the edges; the upper guard with Trewhiddle Style ornament, surmounted by an elegant five-lobed pommel decorated with geometric patterns in the same style; cleaned and conserved. 755 grams, 89 cm



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate no.11574-198855.

A bronze cudgel or handle of an axe or mace reinforced at both ends by raised moulding, the handle adorned with a double spiral in relief. 473 grams, 15.5 cm wide

Fine condition.

Private family collection formed in London, mid 1980s to early 1990s.