French M1874 Grass Bayonet Fireplace Shovel

The M1874 Gras bayonet hearth shovel is a popular historical collectible, part of a three-piece "accessory set" with a poker and tongs. These sets were largely produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by repurposing discarded French military surplus items.

History and origin:

• Discarded surplus items: After the French army introduced the Lebel rifle in 1886, millions of Model 1874 Gras rifles and their distinctive "T-shaped" bayonets became obsolete.
• Mass conversion: Large quantities were purchased by surplus companies, such as the famous Bannerman's of New York, and reforged into hearth tools.
• Period: Most conversion projects date from the Victorian and Edwardian eras (circa 1880-1920).

Features of the tool set:

• Shovel: A steel shovel blade is usually welded or riveted to the original "T-shaped" blade of the bayonet.
• Handles: These tools retain the distinctive brass pommel, wooden grips, and steel guard with the hook-shaped quillon of the original bayonet.
• Engravings: Authenticated sets often still display the original French arsenal markings (e.g., St. Etienne or Châtellerault) and manufacturing dates engraved along the back of the tool shaft.