SOLD 1870 St. Étienne French M1866 Chassepot Bayonet MATCHING SERIAL SCABBARD

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

This is a very nice example of the long "yataghan" saber-bladed bayonet for the French Fusil Modèle 1874 "Gras" Rifle, Fusil Modèle 1866 "Chassepot" Needle Fire rifle. These were very often cut down or altered later on in their service life, but this example still has the original full-length 22 3/4 inch long blade, with an overall length of 27 1/2 inches. The spine of the bayonet is marked St. Étienne 1870, indicating original manufacture at the arsenal in St. Étienne, in 1870. The Cross guard of the bayonet is marked with serial number U 97128, which does match the serial number on the scabbard.