French WW1 issue Lebel model 1886 epee bayonet in scabbard.
£125
French WW1 issue Lebel model 1886 epee bayonet in scabbard. Silver Nickle white metal grip with release catch to the front left has cross guard with barrel ring to the top and hooked quilon to the underside used to catch an enemy’s blade while bayonet fighting. Needle point cruciform epee blade. In its issue slim steel scabbard (not serial numbered to the blade). Adopted to fit the Lebel rifle in 1886 which was the first smokeless powder weapon issued to a major army the rifle and bayonet were the mainstay of the French army right through WW1, although by as early as 1914 both were showing their age and very inferior both to the British SMLE rifle and ’07 bayonet and the German G98 Mauser and its impressive butcher bayonet. In good condition with good clean blade, working catch and a nice issue scabbard. A good regulation pattern WW1 French bayonet.
