French WW1 Lebel model 1886 epee bayonet in scabbard C/W its scarce correct issue leather frog.
£225
French WW1 issue Lebel model 1886 epee bayonet in scabbard, early pattern with hooked quillion to the underside of the cross guard C/W its scarce correct issue leather frog. 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 struck to the top rear with French Ordnance inspection and issue stamp. In its issue blued slim steel scabbard with frog loop to the front (not serial numbered to the blade) fitted with the issue pattern brown leather frog with two suspension straps and buckle to retain the bayonet. 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. The design however influenced the Germans who initially issued a long, slim bladed bayonet with the G98 Mauser service rifle before adopting the ‘Butcher Bayonet’ in 1905. In very good condition with good clean blade, working catch and a nice issue scabbard with a good and scarce frog. A good regulation pattern WW1 French bayonet.
