Early French M1886 1st Pattern ‘Rosalie’/épée Lebel Bayonet and Scabbard

*Early French M1886 1st Pattern ‘Rosalie’/épée Lebel Bayonet and Scabbard*

This bayonet is an early, unaltered example with its original elongated blade, curved quillon and raised round press stud. Early grips like this were made of nickel-silver but from 1916 switched to brass in 1916 due to scarcity. It features a 51.6mm blade and measures 63mm in total length.

The M1886 Bayonet became the standard issue for French soldiers at the start of World War I, until 1916 when they transitioned to the 8 mm. M1886 Lebel rifle. Many of these bayonets continued to be used, even during the Fall of France in 1940, and the Lebel rifle saw extensive service in France’s colonies.

At the war’s onset, the French were confident in their “attaque à outrance” strategy, believing that massed French infantry’s élan alone could achieve their objectives. They affectionately called their bayonets “Rosalie” after a popular song. Conversely, the Germans humorously dubbed the French bayonets “knitting needles.”

The M1886 bayonet introduced the distinctive cruciform blade, a characteristic seen in most French bayonets until 1956. This style was referred to as a “cruciform cross-section,” drawing a comparison to the épée sword used in fencing.

*Condition*
This early example of a Lebel bayonet shows signs of service wear and tear with nicks and some rusting to the blade, the grip is in good condition but the cross guard is pitted and marked. Unfortunately none of the manufacturers marks or serial numbers are legible. The unusual press stud action works well.  The black scabbard is in good condition with minor signs of service related wear and tear and some dings. The scabbard does not fit to the cross guard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQGE_3329131819