French Mle 1866 Yataghan-style Chassepot Rifle Bayonet

Description

The French Mle. 1866 bayonet was designed for use with the 11mm 1866 French
Chassepot rifle and featured a recurved yataghan-style blade originally introduced in their
Mle. 1840 bayonet. The solid brass grip featured a steel spring catch and the steel
crossguard with forward-sweeping quillon with an adjustment screw on the muzzle ring to
allow for variances in rifle production. These bayonets were made in large quantities by
numerous contractors, both in France and foreign countries, including Germany. This
example with the standard 22 ½” single-fullered recurved yataghan-style blade marked
“Mre Imple de St Ettiene Jiullet 1868″ in script on the spine. Serial number “G 88520″ and
several inspector marks stamped on the guard. Steel scabbard with frog stud stamped
with inspector’s initials; partially obscured numbers stamped on the other side. Very good
condition with some age staining and tiny edged nicks on blade, pleasing patina to the
brass, a few shallow dents to scabbard. Overall length27 3/8″, not including scabbard.