The French M1842 Yataghan sword bayonet was used with several variations of French carbine rifle. The M1842 is a formidable bayonet, a far more robust forerunner to the often encountered M1866 Chassepot bayonet.
The heavy 576mm yataghan blade has a flat T-section spine above a long, single fuller on each side and tapers to a double-edged spear point. The blade is in great condition with a few patches of pale age related tarnish. The blade has been armoury sharpened and has some small edge nicks. The ricasso bears French inspection stamps (poincon) and the obverse bears the number 3. The spine is engraved with the abbreviated French state arsenal name, “Manufacture Imperiale de Châtellerault” and the date of manufacture, “June 1866.” The bayonet pattern designation, Model 1842 is also engraved on the spine. This example will have been one of the last produced before the model 1842 was replaced by the model 1866.
The iron crosspiece has very mild tarnish and is clearly stamped with three armoury inspection marks on one side and a single letter G on the obverse. The crosspiece has a slightly hooked, rear facing quillon and a coxcomb on the muzzle ring. The ribbed brass grip bears numerous inspection stamps inside the mortice slot and the external spring catch is in good working order. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The heavy duty iron scabbard is in very good condition. The scabbard is marked on the ball finial and at the throat. The blade sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of an increasingly hard to find French M1842 yataghan sword bayonet.
