French, M1866 Chassepot Yataghan Sword Bayonet, and Scabbard with Matching numbers, Dated 1873, Made at Armes d' Chatellerault

*French, M1866 Chassepot Yataghan Sword Bayonet, and Scabbard with Matching numbers, Dated 1873, Made at Armes de Chatellerault*

Approximate measurements: 56.7cm blade, 69.5cm
Marked on crossguard and scabbard: AB 55526
Marked on spine: Mre d' Armes de Chât, 8'73
Marked on quillon: various proof marks
Marked on ricasso: encircled M and S in a diamond, on the obverse: 4
Marked on tang: 0 247

M1866 Yataghan Sword Bayonet for use on the 11 mm. M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle. The M1866 rifle was referred to as the Chassepot, after its inventor, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot. The M1866 bayonet also mounts to the 11 mm. M1874 Gras rifle. It was manufactured from 1866 to about 1874 and was replaced by the French Model 1874 “Gras” Bayonet.

This M1866 bayonet was produced at the French state arms plant Chatellerault. This bayonet is brass-hilted with a spring steel latching arrangement on the right side. The crossguard is iron (steel) and has a screw-type tightening arrangement on the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is a hooked “blade-breaker” type. The 56.7cm blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or “yataghan-shape.” This blade is marked, on the back edge, in engraved cursive fashion "Mre d' Armes de Chât, 8'73". The original scabbard scabbard is black sheet-rolled steel with a ball finial.

"Yataghan" is derived from the Turkish word for "one who lays down" to describe the downward-sweeping double-curve blade profile. The double-curve added strength and rigidity, while keeping the hilt and point in alignment for thrusting efficiency.

*Condition*
It is very rare to find a matching bayonet and scabbard - they have been together for 141 years! Given the age and service both bayonet and scabbard are in excellent condition with the expected nicks and dings. The cross guard is lightly pitted, the button works well and the scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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