Prussian issued French model 1866 yataghan sword bayonet for the Chassepot rifled musket. After winning the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, the Prussians seized French weaponry as spoils of war. Amongst these seizures were Chassepot bayonets. This bayonet was made at the St. Etienne armoury in April 1868.
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, Avril (April) 1868. The ricasso bears two French inspection poincon and the obverse bears the numeral 6.
The iron cross-piece is stamped with the serial number of the Chassepot musket with which the bayonets was originally issued. Next to this is stamped the Prussian unit designation, 16. L. I. 1. 55. The hooked, blade breaker quillon bears two worn inspection poincon.
The front of the cross-piece bears additional stamps consisting of numerals and symbols.
The brass hilt is in good 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 bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of the iconic French Chassepot bayonet seized and used by the Prussians after the Franco-Prussian War.
