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 more robust forerunner to the often encountered M1866 Chassepot bayonet.
The heavy 574mm 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 good condition with a few small patches of light age related tarnish. The blade was at one time sharpened and has some scratches and small edge nicks. The ricasso bears the date 1851 and the obverse bears a Solingen maker’s stamp.
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 the unit mark 6 G 17 and the number 155 which would have corresponded with the serial number of the carbine with which it was issued.
The ribbed brass grip is in bright, clean condition 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 far better than average condition.
