Rare and interesting French Model 1886-93-15 bayonet, known as "Rosalie", testifies to the second life experienced by many French weapons captured and re-employed by German forces during the First World War.
This example has several special features that make its history particularly interesting.
The blade has been shortened, as has the scabbard, a modification that significantly reduces the overall bulk. This transformation is related to its re-employment by the Germans, who recovered and adapted a large quantity of French equipment captured during the conflict.
The handle also shows chemical blackening, giving it its characteristic dark hue. This finish is a particularly original element of the example and deserves to be preserved in its current state.
The set is presented with its scabbard also shortened, maintaining the consistency of this modification.
- Country of origin: France.
- Era: First World War.
- History: French manufacture, then German re-employment.
- Handle: Brass, chemically blackened.
- Blade: 35 cm.
- Total length: 47 cm. (excluding scabbard).
- Scabbard: Metal, shortened.
- Special feature: Set modified during its second military life.
Functional spring.
A "Rosalie" with a Franco-German history
The fate of this bayonet goes beyond that of a simple standard French weapon.
Produced for the French army, it was originally designed as a long weapon intended to accompany the Lebel rifle. However, the industrial war of 1914-1918 profoundly disrupted the management of military equipment.
The considerable quantities of weapons captured on the battlefields led the belligerents to make maximum use of recovered equipment. German forces thus re-employed many French weapons, including Lebel bayonets.
The weapon is therefore no longer simply a French "Rosalie": it has become a hybrid object, still bearing the characteristics of its French manufacture but having been adapted for a new use after its capture.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and are binding on the buyer.
The purchase implies acceptance of the object's condition as presented.
