Authentic French Model 1866 bayonet-sabre, known as "Chassepot", from the Manufacture de St Etienne, dated February 1873.
Adopted by the French army under the Second Empire, this yatagan-bladed bayonet was designed to equip the Chassepot rifles used during the late 19th century.
It is one of the most iconic French bayonets of the period.
Produced in large numbers in national factories, notably at the Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne, it was part of the equipment of French troops after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and remained in service for several years before the arrival of models intended for the Gras rifle.
Model: Model 1866 bayonet, known as Chassepot.
Overall length: 70 cm.
Blade: Curved yatagan type.
Blade length: 57.5 cm.
Markings: Manufacture de St Etienne Février 1873 and multiple hallmarks.
Handle: Brass, grooved, with spring-loaded push-button. (Functional).
Guard: Steel, with quillon.
The Chassepot rifle and its Model 1866 bayonet represent a major step in the evolution of French weaponry in the 19th century. Used notably during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, this combination marked the transition to modern metallic cartridge weapons.
Bayonets produced after the war, like this example dated 1873, testify to the continued manufacture to equip units still using the Chassepot system.
Photographs are an integral part of the description and are binding on the buyer.
Purchase implies acceptance of the condition of the item as presented.
