I happened across this recently, and snapped it up immediately, as I had never seen it before.
March 1875 Gras bayonet, made at Chatellerault, serial numbered A1276.
But- the serial is between the rivets, not on the quillion! It is definitely a French serial, script A prefix and all. I happen to also have a May 1875 Chatellerault bayonet-(just 2 months later!) and it is marked on the quillion in the usual spot, still in the "A" block as expected.
Anyone seen this before? I know Greek serials are found between the rivets, but this is a French serial with letter prefix. My thought is that since Chassepot bayonets are usually serialed in that spot that perhaps they started in the same place with early Gras but realized the protruding rivets were in the way?
March 1875 Gras bayonet, made at Chatellerault, serial numbered A1276.
But- the serial is between the rivets, not on the quillion! It is definitely a French serial, script A prefix and all. I happen to also have a May 1875 Chatellerault bayonet-(just 2 months later!) and it is marked on the quillion in the usual spot, still in the "A" block as expected.
Anyone seen this before? I know Greek serials are found between the rivets, but this is a French serial with letter prefix. My thought is that since Chassepot bayonets are usually serialed in that spot that perhaps they started in the same place with early Gras but realized the protruding rivets were in the way?
