This fearsome and massive sword bayonet was made around 1850 for use with the Augustin Jager Carbine. The bayonet was designed to be used as either a bayonet or a sword, depending on the need of the moment.
The M1849 was manufactured for only a short period, from 1849 to about 1854 and was used on a carbine, not a full-length musket. These sword bayonets were issued to only the first two ranks of Jager (Hunter) battalions and a few other select units.
These bayonets were also used during the American Civil War.
Designated the Model 1849, the bayonet has a 108 mm socket with a 27 mm outer diameter and an inner diameter of 23 mm. The bayonet is secured to the muzzle with the locking ring.
The 59.5 cm blade has a broad ¾ length fuller on both sides and a flat spine that tapers to a spear point. The blade is 34 mm wide at the ricasso with a gradual taper. It is double-edged for the last 14 cm.
The spine is very wide, beginning at 9 mm at the shoulder, with a distal taper down to less than 0.5 mm at the tip.
The bayonet is in over-all great condition retaining the majority of its original polish with age related speckled tarnish. The elbow is stamped with inspection marks and the spine bears the letter "P" and what looks like a divided circle. The locking ring also bears an inspection or manufacturing stamp.
This bayonet is rarely encountered and this is the finest condition one that I have seen.
