French Model 1866 "Chassepot" Yataghan Sword Bayonet and Scabbard

*French Model 1866 "Chassepot" Yataghan Sword Bayonet and Scabbard*

This is the most widely copied of all the sword bayonets. Many countries - including the United States, Egypt, Belgium, and Argentina - have manufactured or used very similar bayonets. The French model was designed to fit on the French Model 1866 Chassepot Rifled Infantry Musket (the musket was revolutionary in itself). It was manufactured from 1866 to about 1874 and was replaced by the French Model 1874 "Gras" Bayonet.

This bayonet is brass-hilted with a spring steel latching arrangement on the right side. The crossguard is iron (steel) and has a screw-type tightening arrangement on the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is a hooked "blade-breaker" type. The 56.5cm blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or "yataghan-shape." This blade appears to be marked, on the back edge, in engraved cursive fashion but it is indecipherable. The original scabbard scabbard is black sheet-rolled steel with a ball finial.

*Condition*
The bayonet has some age related tarnishing, rusting and pitting. The grip is still nicely robust but again shows signs of wear and tear and the press stud does not work. The crossguard is fairly rusted. The black metal scabbard is in very good condition. Please refer to the images as a part of our condition report.

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