Great example of the famous French M1886 bayonet for use with the 8 mm Lebel rifle. This bayonet introduced the cruciform (epee-like) blade and had a long service record. The Lebel bayonet was affectionately known as “Rosalie” by the troops who carried it. The M1886 was originally made with a nickel-silver alloy grip but this was phased out in 1916 as nickel was in short supply and required for the war effort. After 1916 the grips were made of brass and the bayonet was also manufactured without the hooked quillon. The Lebel epee bayonet with its distinctive cruciform blade was the French mainstay during WWI.
The 520mm distinctive cruciform blade is full length and has a rounded needle point. Later blades were often shortened. The blade is in excellent condition and is stamped with two inspection poincon. The epee-like blade remained a feature of many French bayonets until 1956.
The blued steel muzzle ring and block are in excellent condition and bear inspection stamps. The raised press-stud with cross-hatched top is in excellent working order and the hooked quillon is bright and stamped with the serial number 15013. Both the hooked quillon and raised press-stud were absent from later models.
The cast grips are of nickel-silver alloy and are in excellent condition.
The bayonet is complete with its blackened steel scabbard with matching serial number. The scabbard is in very good condition and retains its original finish. The top of the scabbard bears inspection stamps and the serial number 15013. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is an early example of the iconic French Lebel bayonet with the nickel-silver grip and retaining its long blade, hooked quillion, and raised round press stud.
