Original French WWI Lebel M.1886 Nickel Handle Cruciform Épée Bayonet with Steel Scabbard
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original French Model 1886 Lebel bayonet, commonly known to collectors as the “Rosalie,” complete with its steel scabbard. The M1886 became one of the most recognizable French bayonets of the First World War and remained in service for decades afterward, including with colonial forces and reserve formations.
The bayonet is fitted with the desirable early nickel-grip configuration, which replaced the earliest brass-gripped version. It retains the correct early-style round bayonet catch button and full hooked quillon, both important identifying features of the earlier production pattern.
The bayonet design underwent many revisions during service history. The very first model is identified by a brass grip with a very small steel tang rod shown on the pommel of the bayonet. This was swiftly replaced with a Nickel gripped version, which is what we have here. It has the correct early pattern round bayonet catch button and full hooked quillon. Unlike most, it was not cut down post war, and retains its 20½” blade.
The bayonet and scabbard are both marked with various proofs and maker marks, which we are unfortunately unable to identify. The bayonet bears serial numbers 52088 on the quillion and 71938(?) on the scabbard. Condition is very fair, with a lot of oxidation peppering on the scabbard and bayonet hilt. The blade is bright steel with very minor oxidation.
The combination of the nickel grip, round catch button, full hooked quillon, unshortened 20 ½-inch cruciform blade, surviving proof marks, and complete steel scabbard makes this a strong example of the classic French WWI “Rosalie” bayonet. The mismatched serial numbers and oxidation are honest service and age characteristics, while the complete early-pattern configuration remains particularly desirable.
Specifications:
Blade length: 20 1/2”
Blade style: Cruciform "Épée"
Overall length: 25 1/8”
Crossguard: 3 1/8 “
Scabbard length: 21 1/8”
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
