BIFFO Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 Is this a French chassepot or a cras,can anyone say when it was made by the numbers stamped on the hilt Biffo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
depaor01 Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 Definitely a Chassepot as I own one. The Gras had a T profile straight blade with wooden grip. As to the markings mine is dated on the flat part of the back of the blade in script. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasemuseum Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 There are lots of minor variations of Mlle 1866 Chassepot. Large quantities were captured by the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War and were latter converted to fit a wide variety of rifles, in particular 1871 and 71/84 Mausers. They were used as reserve grade weapons by garrison troops and guards during WW1. Large quantities were disposed of by the French during the late c.19, sold to China, Japan and many other countries, some without modifications and others modified to fit various other surplus rifles. Cheers RT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastSurrey Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 Mine has what appears to be its place of manufacture abbreviated and Juillet 1871 as date of manufacture, on the back of the blade. Unlike the blade, the scabbard and quillon are rather corroded, so the serial number is difficult to read. I bought it as a schoolboy in the 60s, for 7/6 or 10 shillings, I think. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 Certainly a Chassepot-type bayonet, and so made to fit the Fusil modèle 1866 or clones thereof. Problem is that, as Chasemuesum points out, there are lots of variants... So, you will need to know the MRD of this one to be certain what it fits, and more detail on the maker's marks and any inspection marks! As I understand it from the Gras models and the Lebel and Berthier bayonets, French-made and issued bayonets - although I am not an expert on these - do have inspection marks and serial numbers on the quillon. The serial looks French - have a look at: http://www.old-smithy.info/bayonets/HTNL DOCUMNETS/1866_chassepot.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMB1943 Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 You could show the stamp on the blade, just above the serial V28862, which will be a clue. Also, look for a stamp on the finial (circular ending of hooked cross-guard). Regards, JMB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msdt Posted 27 July , 2017 Share Posted 27 July , 2017 I would say that this one is for French service. Serial numbers starting with a U or V were for bayonets produced privately under the contract with Cahen-Lyon in 1868 and 1869. This range was alloted by the French. As the bayonets were produced by many companies it may not have the script on the back. The markings will be of interest though to see if a producer can be identified. I keep a look-out for these U and V's as they are less common. Also a lot of bayonets were re-serialled in service to match a different rifle. Cheers, Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIFFO Posted 27 July , 2017 Author Share Posted 27 July , 2017 Thank you all, Julian now you had your chance ?, JMB,there is a stamp mark,I will take another photo and post Biffo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 29 July , 2017 Share Posted 29 July , 2017 On 7/28/2017 at 00:46, BIFFO said: ...Julian now you had your chance ?, ... "Yeah but, no but, yeah but..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zuluwar2006 Posted 19 April , 2018 Share Posted 19 April , 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msdt Posted 20 April , 2018 Share Posted 20 April , 2018 Hi zuluwar2006, Looks to be a carbine version - didn't know there was one! The 1884's are not common, posted pics of mine here: http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?748282-Fusil-Modele-1884&highlight=modele+1884 Cheers, Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now