*French, Franco-Prussian War Era, Model 1866 Chassepot Yataghan Sword Bayonet, Imperial Tulle Arsenal, Dated Nov 1870, No. 1338*
An original French Model 1866 Chassepot yataghan sword bayonet produced for the 11 mm M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle during the Franco-Prussian War period.
The bayonet retains its distinctive recurved yataghan-style blade together with its brass ribbed grip and steel hooked quillon crossguard.
The spine is clearly arsenal-marked: “Mre Impale de Tulle 9bre 1870” confirming manufacture at the Imperial Arms Manufactory at Tulle in November 1870, during the closing months of the Second French Empire and the height of the Franco-Prussian War. The continued use of the “Manufacture Impériale” marking following the capture of Napoleon III in September 1870 is historically correct, as several French state arsenals continued applying Imperial-marked spine inscriptions into late 1870 before transitioning to “Mre Natle” (Manufacture Nationale) markings under the newly declared Third Republic in early 1871. Such transitional-period Imperial examples are particularly desirable to collectors of Franco-Prussian War militaria.
The left side of the crossguard is stamped “1338” together with French inspection marks, while the ricasso bears an “M” within a circle inspection stamp. The blade retains its original fullered form with an attractive aged steel finish showing honest service wear, scattered oxidation, staining, and areas of darker patination throughout. The brass hilt displays a rich mellow tone with traces of verdigris around the grip grooves and retains its original press stud locking mechanism.
This example is the classic yataghan-pattern bayonet designed by Antoine Alphonse Chassepot for the revolutionary M1866 Chassepot rifle, one of the most advanced military firearms of its era. Following adoption of the metallic-cartridge Model 1874 Gras rifle, many surviving M1866 bayonets remained in French service and were altered or reworked for continued compatibility with the Gras system. Collectors often encounter examples with modified or reduced muzzle rings associated with these later conversions. This example appears to retain its original configuration, although fit to later Gras rifles may vary.
Approx. Measurements – 69.5 cm overall length; 57.1 cm blade length.
History Note:
The Model 1866 Chassepot rifle represented a major technological leap for the French Army, utilizing a bolt-action needle-fire mechanism and paper cartridge system that significantly outperformed many contemporary military rifles during the opening stages of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. The accompanying M1866 yataghan bayonet became one of the most iconic 19th century European military edged weapons, produced at the principal French state arsenals including Tulle, Châtellerault, St. Étienne, and Mutzig, as well as by several private contractors.
*Condition*
No scabbard present. Blade displays age-related wear, surface oxidation, scattered pitting, sharpening marks, and areas of old cleaning. Edge remains generally good with no major chips noted. Brass grip retains strong form with handling wear and verdigris in recesses. Crossguard and muzzle ring show heavy darkened patina and oxidation throughout. Locking stud appears present and functional, although not tested on a rifle. Markings remain legible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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