French M1866 Chassepot Rifle Bayonet

Description

The French M1866 Chassepot rifle was invented by Antoine Alphonse Chassepot (1833-1905) and was France’s answer to the Prussian Dreyse, using a needle fire mechanism and paper cartridge. It was produced between 1866 and 1874, when it was replaced by the Gras rifle. Many of the existing Chassepot rifles were converted to take the 11 mm metallic Gras cartridge. The French Mle. 1866 bayonet was designed for use with the 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. Many of these were later cut down, as bayonets tended to get shorter over time. This example with full- length 22 3/4” blade, marked “St Ettienne Juillet 1872” in script on the spine. Quillon with four stamps; a crowned “C”, crowned “M”, star over “K”, and star over “O”. Steel with scattered patches of light pitting and age staining; brass grip with pleasing mustard colored patina. Overall length 27 1/2”. No scabbard.