German conversion of a captured French M 1874 Gras bayonet. (ABCN1511-1)(JN0)(K418)(EB118)

German M 1888 Commission rifle. Serial number: F 52719 on the quillon. This is an extremely rare and complex German modification of a captured French M 1874 Gras Bayonet to fit the German M 1888 Mauser rifle. 
Excellent bright finished T-shape blade with the French maker's name and date very crisp on the blade spine: Mre. d Ármes de Chatl, Fervier 1878 (= Chatellerault Arsenal, February 1878). Two French inspection markings on ricasso and a large 3 on the reverse side.
The unique conversion:
The blade is slightly banded to bring the blade out of the fire line. Hilt altered by grinding away the upper part of the brass pommel over the entire length so reducing the depth of the slot and adding an unique replacement for the locking tooth. Very good steel crossguard, a curved quillon with final and a widened muzzle ring 1,5 mm (MRD 17,5 mm.) to fit the M 1888 barrel. The guillon and the external spring show light corrosion only.
Three french inspection markings on the quillon. Excellent wooden grips secured by two steel rivets.
Excellent unaltered, not matching, blued steel scabbard with no dents.

An extremely rare and complex German conversion of a captured French M 1874 Gras bayonet to fit the German M 1888 rifle.

(Also Ref: Anthony Carter EB 118)

In 1914, same way converted Gras bayonets were together with 5000 M1888 German made Commission riffles were smuggled illigally into Ireland by the Ulster Volenteer Force (UVF) and the IRA. This became known as the Larne Gunrunning. These were supplied by weapon dealer Benny Spiro of Hamburg.