Original German Reissued French M1866 Chassepot Saber Bayonet by Stehelin & Cie. Bitschwiller with Modified Scabbard - Dated 1869
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the long "yataghan" saber bladed bayonet for the French Fusil Modèle 1874 "Gras" Rifle, Fusil modèle 1866 "Chassepot" Needle Fire rifle. These were very often cut down or altered later on in their service life, but this example still has the original full length 22 3/4 inch long blade, with an overall length of 27 1/2 inches.
It also has lived an interesting live, as this 1869 dated bayonet was captured after the Franco Prussian War of 1871 and taken back to Germany and reissued for use by German Forces. For reference please see the excellent book GERMAN BAYONETS VOLUME III by J. Anthony Carter pages 209-228.
The original French scabbard has had the "goal post" frog attachment replaced with the typical German long frog stud, and the scabbard has been stamped:
25.L.II.1.157
And the bayonet crossguard is stamped:
83.L.II.2.85
From what we have found online, this is supposedly indicative of Luftschiffer Bataillons, which were units with Fesselballons (captive balloons) for observation and artillery-fire direction purposes. We are unsure if this is correct in this case given the age of the bayonet. A good research project.
The spine of the bayonet is marked Stehelin & Cie. Bitschwiller Thann. Marz 1869, indicating manufacture in March 1869 by Stehelin & Cie. Bitschwiller.
It is in very good condition, with a mostly bright blade, with some areas of light staining. The brass handle has a lovely aged mustard patina, and the crossguard has faded to a rusty color. The scabbard has lost much of the original black finish, now showing an overall oxidized patina. There are however no major dents or other issues.
A very nice example, ready to add to your Franco-Prussian War Era edged weapon collection or fit to a German Captured rifle!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 22 3/4"
Single Edge "Yataghan" w/ Fuller
Overall length: 27 1/2“
Crossguard: 4”
Scabbard Length: 23"
The Chassepot bayonet was the first of the French saber bayonets to have a hooked quillion. This design feature was quite popular in the late 19th Century, when the bayonet was considered a form of fencing. When parrying the enemy’s thrust, the soldier was to use his own bayonet to deflect the enemy blade and the quillion - like the quillion on a sword - was intended to keep the enemy's blade from continuing downward; in this case sliding down the length of the rifle to strike the soldier’s left arm and hand holding the forestock of his rifle.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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