French Mle 1886 Bayonet

Allied Forces > France > Edged Weapons >

Here we have a French Mle 1886 Bayonet! This is the earliest variation with a riveted blade, hooked quillion and a removable brass hilt. This bayonet was designed for use on the Lebel Model 1886 rifle and carbine. The full 20 1/2 inch long cruciform blued blade on this one looks fine. It is maker marked though I can't make it out. It has a solid fit and sharp tip! It is slightly oxidized. The cone shaped scabbard is steel based blackend! It has a nice and round ball tip with a rivet to hold the throat. It has one wee pressure mark and a few scratches but that's it. It has a wee wave/bend in it and is oxidized and pitted. The scabbard/hilt fit is perfect. The iron quillion crossguard looks great! It shows a rivet running through the blade. It is inspection stamped and numbered 96526. The steel press-catch locking mechanism continues to function well and is secured with a single screw. The removable brass hilt has several surface scratches throughout. The pommel top has two groves. Overall is it a fine example of an early French Mle 1886 Bayonet!