Lebel bayonet, 1886 model, French (c 1900)

Title	Lebel bayonet, 1886 model
Nationality	French
Period	c 1900

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The Lebel rifle was the first modern service rifle to use a nitro cartridge; all the others of the period still operated with black powder. The modified version (model 1916) had a yellow brass hilt and no quillon. This classic bayonet would have seen action throughout the French Empire at the end of the 19th century and, of course, in WW1.

They were used famously by the Soviet women's regiments in the defence of Moscow in 1941/42, shown in a celebrated photograph of the period.

The hilt is made of solid white brass and the blade is peened through at the pommel. Like all French equipment, it is beautifully made.

Its condition is generally excellent, with a little light brown patination on the quillon block and muzzle ring. There is some old age staining to the hilt and all the French inspection marks and numbers are present. The blade has some mild patination for the last 4", the rest being a dull grey colour with very minor scattered corrosion. The hilt has been used as a hammer at some stage, and thus the pommel has suffered some distortion. However, it is an increasingly rare bayonet to find in reasonable condition, even if, as in this case, there is no scabbard.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : French : 19th Century]

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