Fireplace tong made from two French made M 1874 Gras bayonets.(ABCN1504)(K0)(JN0)

Fireplace tong made from two M 1874 Gras bayonets. Very nice tong made from a French made M 1874 Gras bayonet and the blade of an another French made M 1874 Gras bayonet attached to the muzzle ring of the bayonet and fixed by a rivet.  On both blade tips round platforms are welded. Both blades show small stains only.
The tong is in a very good working condition and the bayonet still has its inspection markings and serial number: D 457577 on the quillon. A makers name and date on the blade spine:  Mft. d' Armes de St. Etienne. Jan. 1876.(= Made at the Saint Etienne Arsenal, January 1876)  Excellent brass pommel with a working catch and Excellent wooden grips. 
The added Gras blade has also its makers name and date: Mft. d'Armes de Chatl. Aou 1879 (= Made at the Chatellerault Arsenal, August 1879)  on the blade spine. The tang of the added blade is twisted, thus forming a tumb rest to manipulate the tong.

These interesting fireplace utensils are made before 1914. 

A very nice item for the advanced collector or for a man cave!