{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-lebel-m-1886-nickel-handle-cruciform-epee-bayonet-with-steel-scabbard-5","title":"Original French WWI Lebel M.1886 Nickel Handle Cruciform Épée Bayonet with Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original French \u003cb\u003eModel 1886 Lebel bayonet\u003c\/b\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bayonet and scabbard are both marked with various proofs and maker marks, which we are unfortunately unable to identify. The bayonet bears serial numbers \u003cb\u003e52088 \u003c\/b\u003eon the quillion and \u003cb\u003e71938(?) \u003c\/b\u003eon 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the \u003cb\u003enickel grip, round catch button, full hooked quillon, unshortened 20 ½-inch cruciform blade, surviving proof marks, and complete steel scabbard\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 20 1\/2”\u003cbr\u003eBlade style: Cruciform \"Épée\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 25 1\/8”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 3 1\/8 “\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 21 1\/8”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45988551688261,"sku":"ONJR25SEAM47","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25SEAM47__01.jpg?v=1791821420","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-wwi-lebel-m-1886-nickel-handle-cruciform-epee-bayonet-with-steel-scabbard-5","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}