A French Model 1886 Lebel infantry bayonet, an iconic edged weapon of the French Third Republic and the First World War. This early production example features a solid brass grip and a steel crossguard with a characteristic hooked parrying quillon. The blade is a 52 centimetre cruciform steel needle designed for thrusting. The pommel incorporates a spring-loaded locking catch for attachment to the Lebel rifle muzzle. It is accompanied by a matching cylindrical steel scabbard with a ball-finial tip and a bridge for a leather frog. Small inspector marks, or poinçons, are visible on the crossguard and the throat of the scabbard. Both the hilt and scabbard bear white inventory labels marked with the digits 5043.
Blade length: 52 cm
Overall length: 64 cm.
Measurement: 25 IN
Share this lot:
