MODIFIED M1866 CHASSEPOT BAYONET

MODIFIED M1866 CHASSEPOT BAYONET
MODIFIED M1866 CHASSEPOT BAYONET French sword bayonet, 22.5 blade, 27.5 in. overall, designed for use with the M1866 Chassepot bolt action rifle used most prominently during the Franco-Prussian War. The 'yataghan'-style blade is oxidized throughout with two or three minute chips to the cutting edge, and bears a faint inscription in cursive, identifying the manufacturer as the Imperiale de Tulle arsenal, with the date March 1873. The serial number '45820' is faintly visible on the crossguard. Interestingly, both the barrel loop and the quillion have been removed from this example, most likely to allow it to be more easily used as a dedicated short sword. The cast-brass handle bears notable dings and dents, and the push-button for the release latch has been removed. Very good.