French Crimean War (Oct 1853 – Mar 1856) period M1842 Yataghan sword bayonet for use with several variations of French carbine rifle. The M1842 is a formidable bayonet, a far more robust forerunner to the often encountered M1866 Chassepot bayonet.
The heavy 572mm yataghan blade has a flat, T-section spine above a long, single fuller on each side and tapers to a double-edged spear point. The blade is in great condition with a few tiny patches of light age related tarnish. The blade has been armoury sharpened and has some small edge nicks. The ricasso bears a French inspection stamp (poincon) and the obverse bears the number, 1 58. The number 1 1 58 also appears on the front of the cross-piece.
The steel crosspiece has very mild tarnish and shallow pitting. The crosspiece has a slightly hooked, rear facing quillon and a coxcomb on the muzzle ring. The steel bears two partially struck French poincon and the number 417 which would have corresponded with the serial number of the carbine with which it was issued. The spine is engraved with the French state arsenal name, “Manufacture Imperiale de Châtellerault” and the date of manufacture, “June 1853.”
The ribbed brass grip bears numerous inspection stamps and the external spring catch is in good working order. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The original scabbard is in good condition, retaining its blued finish with speckled, shallow pitting. The scabbard is marked on the ball finial and at the throat. The blade sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an increasingly hard to find French M1842 Crimean War bayonet in better than average condition.
