Ilbury Welsh Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 I have had this item for some years now and from my original investigations believed it to be French and late 1800s. Could anyone here please confirm my thoughts. It is 27.5 inches long and on the guard is stamped X 74315. No other markings to be found. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilbury Welsh Posted 5 August , 2006 Author Share Posted 5 August , 2006 A close up of the handle.................John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 French Model 1886 Sabre Bayonet Mick sorry 1866 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilB Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 Looks like a French Chassepot to me. Phil B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilbury Welsh Posted 5 August , 2006 Author Share Posted 5 August , 2006 [Looks like a French Chassepot to me. Phil B So I was close then............... What is difference between a Sabre Bayonet and Chassepot...perhaps shape? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilB Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 I think the chassepot was made at a time when a bayonet was expected to double as a sword. Calling it a sabre might be stretching it a bit! The British WW1 SMLE bayonet was good for toasting and sticking in the trench side for hanging things on. Among other things! Phil B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 Its a model 1866 Sabre bayonet. Chassepot was the name of the rifle it attached to. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 Its a model 1866 Sabre bayonet. Chassepot was the name of the rifle it attached to. Mick http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/blade/armbay.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilB Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 Quite right! Officially known as the Baionnette Modele 1866 Series 'Z' and used with the Chassepot Needle Gun. During the Franco-Prussion War, two categories were made. Those made in the period Deuxieme Empire are abbreviated 'MTE Impale De', those after the fall of Napoleon II 'Mte d'Armes De'. After the fall of France to the Prussians, many M'66 MLE were converted to fit the GEW '71. Some of these bayonets were used as late as World War 2 in the hands of Garde Nationale. This bayonet was made by 16' Arms de Chattelleraut 7 Ba 1874 and was used with the Chatelleraut Rifle. Phil B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 5 August , 2006 Share Posted 5 August , 2006 In the late 1950's my father was working on the site of the shell refinery on the Thames when he came across several of these bayonets in the mud of an estuary, one of his workmates told him they were brought back on the old ships as ballast and discarded as the ships were loaded. I still have one of them which considering is history is in excellent condition. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ilbury Welsh Posted 5 August , 2006 Author Share Posted 5 August , 2006 Thanks guys. It is identical to the one in the web site Weapon No. 296. Ok next question I am seriously considering selling or swapping it, do you know any one who collects bayonets of this period? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
findabetterole Posted 8 January , 2007 Share Posted 8 January , 2007 John, Your bayonet could also be a Sabre-Baionnette Model 1866. Seph 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