French Gras Model 1874 Rifle Bayonet

A cast dagger with leaf-shaped blade, round-section grip with wide flat tang and lobe pommel. 740 grams, 40 cm

Fine condition.

Abelita family collection, 1980-2015.

A Gras bayonet with T-shaped tapering 'epee' blade fitted with steel perforated quillon, rivetted wood grip scales and brass pommel slotted to fit the rifle barrel key; various punchmarks and numbered '7233' to quillon, the back of the blade inscribed 'Usine de Stoyr 1876' in script. 581 grams, 64.5 cm

Good condition.

Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, two incised rings to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 470 grams, 10.2 cm



Previously in a private collection since the 1990s. Property of a Sussex, UK, teacher. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.