Scarce variant of the iconic French model 1866 sword bayonet for the Chassepot rifled musket. The ricasso and ball quillon bear a Maltese cross. The origins of these bayonets is the subject of some conjecture. Some researchers believe that these bayonets were produced in the Basque country of Spain in 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War because the French were unable to supply bayonets to accompany a shipment of Chassepot rifles to the Basques.
The 572mm yataghan blade has a wide, flat spine and broad single fuller. The spine is unmarked. The blade is in very good condition. The ricasso bears a Maltese cross stamp and the obverse ricasso bears the numeral “1.”
The cross-piece is stamped with “11696” and the ball quillon bears a Maltese cross.
The front of the cross-piece bears a reversed numeral “2” and the numeral 6 or 9 within a circle of dots.
The brass hilt in in good condition. The inside of the mortice slot is unmarked. French made M1866 bayonets are marked with serial numbers and additional stamps within the mortice slot. The press stud and external spring mechanism work perfectly.
The rolled steel scabbard is in good condition without dents or damage and retains what looks to be its original Japanned finish. The scabbard is unmarked.
This is an interesting variant of the French Chassepot bayonet. The bayonet is not French made and has rarely encountered markings.
