French model 1866 yataghan sword bayonet for the Chassepot rifled musket. Made at the Chatellerault armoury in September 1871.
The 575mm yataghan blade is in good condition with minimal pale age related tarnish. The blade is without damage or rust and is engraved on the spine with the arsenal name and date of manufacture, 9bre (September) 1871. The ricasso bears two French inspection poincon and the obverse bears another, partly concealed stamp.
The iron cross-piece is stamped with the serial number of the corresponding musket that was also made by the Chatellerault armoury. The serial number is C 16901 and matches that of the scabbard. The hooked, blade breaker quillon bears worn inspection poincon. The crosspiece is in reasonable condition, retaining its blued finish with shallow pitting.
The front of the cross-piece bears additional stamps consisting of numerals and symbols.
The brass hilt is in excellent condition and the press stud and external spring mechanism work perfectly.
The bayonet is complete with its blued steel scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with mild pitting. The top of the scabbard bears a matching serial number, C 16901, indicating that the bayonet and scabbard have been together since production 150 years ago.
This is a reasonable example of the iconic French Chassepot bayonet complete with matching numbered scabbard.
