Excellent Early French M1886 1st Pattern 'Rosalie'/épée Lebel Bayonet and Scabbard

*Excellent early French M1886 1st Pattern 'Rosalie'/épée Lebel Bayonet and Scabbard*

This bayonet is an exceptional early example that has remained unaltered, preserving its elongated blade, curved quillon and raised round press stud. Early Lebel Bayonets, like this one,  featured nickel-silver grips, but by 1916, due to the need to conserve nickel for wartime efforts, the handles were made from brass. The quillon bears a serial number that appears to read P 99418, followed by the letters H and P enclosed within a circle. The ricasso displays a diamond with the letter P inside. The pommel is marked with the number 29 and other proof marks, including the letter P. Unfortunately, the serial number on the black metal scabbard is illegible. The bayonet boasts a 51.6mm blade and measures 635mm in total length.

The M1886 Bayonet model served as the standard issue for French soldiers during the initial stages of World War I, prior to 1916, when they were equipped with the 8 mm. M1886 Lebel rifle. Many of these bayonets remained in active service even during the Fall of France in 1940. Additionally, the Lebel rifle was extensively used by indigenous troops in France's overseas colonies.

At the outset of World War I, the French entered the conflict with great confidence "attaque à outrance", believing that the sheer élan of massed French infantry could achieve their objectives and the they even affectionately nicknamed their bayonets "Rosalie" after a popular song of the era. Conversely, the Germans referred to the French bayonets as "knitting needles."

The M1886 bayonet introduced the distinctive cruciform blade, a characteristic that remained a hallmark of most French bayonets until 1956. The French referred to this style as a "cruciform cross-section," likening it to the épée sword used in fencing.

*Condition*
This rare bayonet is in excellent condition. There are no nicks to the blade. The handle is in excellent condition and the crossguard is more pitted making the numbers hard to read. The unusual press stud action works well.  The black scabbard is in good condition with minor signs of service related wear and tear. The scabbard fits well but is slightly loose. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQGE_7695131790