French issue Chassepot bayonet in issue steel scabbard.
£125
French issue Chassepot bayonet in issue steel scabbard. Ribbed brass grip with release button to the left rear is fitted with a hooked quilon cross guard struck with various French issue and inspection marks and issue number to the left side S 25953. Fullered single edge Yataghan style blade signed Mn Imp l de St Etienne Aout 1874 to the top for manufacture in August 1874 at the French governments St Etienne armoury. In its correct pattern blued steel scabbard. Designed to fit on the Model 1866 Chassepot rifle these bayonets also fit onto the later Gras rifle although a lighter and slimmer pattern was officially adopted for the new rifle. A typical sword bayonet of the time it was like the British rifle regiments Yataghans designed to work both as a bayonet and a short sword, but like the British weapon was not ideal for either purpose, and later bayonets were made shorter and lighter to make them more practical when fitted to the rifle in combat. In good condition with good clean blade, working catch and a nice scabbard.
