Please take the time to read through my entire item description and view all the photographs. I consistently prepare accurate and detailed descriptions and provide clear close up photographs and video when appropriate for all my listings. The aforementioned notwithstanding, note the photos are still the biggest and most important part of this or any description. As the old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. If you would like additional photos or have specific questions just message me and I will respond ASAP. For your consideration is this rarely found much less offered exceptionally clean and awesome looking MATCHING SERIAL NUMBERED antique 1873 French military. For use on the 11mm M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle. The bayonet comes with the original matching serial numbered metal scabbard as depicted in description photos #1, #2, #3 and #4. This is truly a beautiful piece that will display nicely amongst your collection. The M1866 rifle was referred to as the Chassepot, named after its inventor, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot. Was manufactured between 1866 to approximately 1874 when it was replaced by the French Model 1874 “Gras” Bayonet. The Chassepot Model 1866 sword bayonet. Dates from the period during France’s second empire between the years 1852 to mid 1870’s. The bayonet is made of steel with a heavy solid brass ribbed handle. The bayonet and scabbard together weighs approximately 2.0 pound, 5.0 ounces. The overall length of the sword bayonet measures approximately 27.50″ with an approximate 22.50″ long blade. The brass handle measures approximately 4.50 in length with an approximate. 780″ (or approximately 11/16″) muzzle ring diameter. Refer to description photos #19, #21, #22, #23 and #24 to confirm the weight and size dimensions and for more details about what I describe. As can clearly be seen and confirmed in description photos #9 and #10, the bayonets hooked quillion or hand guard is stamped with the serial number P. Across the LEFT side. In addition, the quillion or hand guard also has numerous other smaller stampings as can be seen in the description photos. Additionally, on the blade’s ricasso (located just above the quillion) there are two small circular stampings seen on the RIGHT side and one small circular stamping with what appears to be the number ” 9 ” inside on the LEFT side. Refer to description photos #6, #9, #10, #11, #12 and #17 for more details. There is also what appears to be a stamped number on the inside top “rail” of the brass handle (it’s a little hard to see) that appears to read as ” 8 V 148 “. Refer to description photo #13 for more details about what I have described. Please refer to the close up photos for more details about what I have described. The bayonet’s has French language script markings along the top of the blade’s spine which to the best of my ability appears to read as. Mre d’ Armes de St. According to the internet translation program, the aforementioned inscription loosely translates to English and reads Manufactured. Of Arms of St. Please refer to the close up photo #14 for more details about what I have described. The sword bayonet remains in extremely good condition for being over 150 years old. The brass handle’s surface has acquired a natural patina finish and, to my knowledge, has never been polished. As can be confirmed in the description photos, the surface of the bayonets single-edged. Re-curved or “Yataghan” shape. Fullered steel blade remains in excellent condition and retains much of its original smooth brilliant luster. The aforementioned notwithstanding and consistent with the genuine age of this antique piece there are areas of light scattered spots of natural plum brown and gray patina along the surface of the blade. The blade is straight as can be confirmed in description photo #15. As can be confirmed in the description photos the cutting edge on the sword bayonet remains in good condition with no damage, dings or serious chipping. Surprisingly, the edge looks original to the piece and does not appear to have ever been resharpened outside of the original factory production. Please refer to all the description photos to confirm the condition of the sword bayonet and for more details about what I have described. The sword’s button stud lock mechanism, located on the left side of the brass grip handle functions properly as designed and will lock the bayonet securely to the. The metal scabbard has a matching serial number to the sword bayonet as can be confirmed in description photos #17 and #18. The surface of the scabbard has acquired an attractive natural smooth plum gray patina finish that is consistent with the age of the piece. The scabbard is dent free as can be confirmed in the description photos. Overall, this original and matching numbered scabbard remains in excellent condition and displays nicely alongside the bayonet. This Model 1866 Chassepot sword bayonet. Replaced the older French Model 1842 sword bayonet. The model 1866 Chassepot sword bayonet features. A “Yataghan” style blade for use on the French made 11mm M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle. The M1866 rifle was referred to as the Chassepot, after its inventor, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot. The M1866 bayonet also mounts to the 11mm M1874 Gras rifle. It was manufactured from 1866 to about 1874 before being replaced by the French Model 1874 “Gras” bayonet. This bayonet is brass-hilted with a spring steel latching arrangement on the right side. The crossguard is iron (steel) and has a screw-type tightening arrangement on the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is a hooked “blade-breaker” type. The blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or yataghan-shape. The name “Yataghan” is derived from the Turkish word for “one who lays down” to describe the downward-sweeping double-curve blade profile. The double-curve added strength and rigidity, while keeping the hilt and point in alignment for thrusting efficiency. M1866 bayonets were produced at the French state arms plants. Also by French government contractors: – Cahen & Lyon, Paris – Charles Reeves & Co. Birmingham – Christofle, Paris – Stehelin & Cie. Bitschwiller, Thunn – Y. Government bayonets are marked on the blade’s spine with the factory, month, and year of production. A commercial producer was Felix Escoffier, St.