French issue Chassepot bayonet in its matching numbers issue steel scabbard.
£175
French issue Chassepot bayonet in its matching numbers 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. Fullered single edge Yataghan blade signed Mle Imple de St Etienne Mai 1868 to the top for manufacture at the French governments famous St Etienne armoury in May of 1868. In its correct pattern black painted steel scabbard with frog loop to the front serial numbered to the bayonet J1142. 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 for fighting. In good condition with clean blade and scabbard with good clear issue markings and matching serial numbers.
