French Model 1842 Yataghan sword bayonet for Artillery

This is a heavy bladed yataghan sword bayonet first developed first as the French Model 1840 and redesigned as Model 1842 with a longer and heavier blade and the crosspiece made of steel instead of brass.

The Model 1842 was replaced by the Model 1866, the common Chassepot Model 1866 bayonet, which itself is a beautiful yataghan bayonet with a lighter blade.

This blade is marked on one side with letter “Z” and on the other “1858”.

The cross guard is stamped “14BC7C68”.

This bayonet was used in conjunction with the following rifles:

- The .71 caliber M1829/46 Mousqueton de Artillerie (Artillery Carbine),
- M1840 Carbine de Munition (M1840 Rifle Ammunition),
- M1846 and M1853 Carbine de Tige (M1846 & M1853 Pillar Breech Rifle),
- M1859 Minié Carbine (Minié Rifle).
These were all short, carbine-length arms.

~ Dimensions ~

The blade length is 57 cm (22 ½ inches) and the overall length of the piece is 70 cm (27 ½ inches).

It weighs 790 grams.

~ Condition ~

The bayonet remains in good condition for its age.

The blade developed minor pitting and a nice patina.

The cross guard has some surface rust, but is not serious.

The safety button works as intended.

ref. GS907476C / PQDDRMZPM9