French M1866 bayonet made during the Franco-Prussian War (July 1870 to January 1871).
Fine example of the famous French sword bayonet for the Chassepot rifled musket made by the state armoury at St Etienne in December 1870.
The 573mm yataghan blade is in generally good condition with patches of age related tarnish. The blade is without damage or rust and is engraved on the spine with the arsenal name and date of manufacture, Xbre (December) 1870.
The ricasso bears French inspection poincon and the obverse bears a numeral representing the batch number. The steel cross-piece is stamped with the serial number of the corresponding musket that was also made by the St. Etienne armoury. The hooked, blade breaker quillon bears three poincon.
The front of the cross-piece bears additional stamps consisting of numerals and symbols.
The brass hilt is in excellent condition and the press stud and external spring mechanism work perfectly.
The bayonet is complete with its blued steel scabbard. The scabbard is in excellent condition.
This is a fine example of a French war-time production Chassepot bayonet made during the closing months of the Franco-Prussian War.
