The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

I bought this bayonet a few years ago at an estate sale. I have done a lot of research on it and have come up with really nothing. The best I can tell, it may be French and it may be from the 1880's. If it is, it is way too short by at least 4 to 6". The length of the bayonet itself is 18 1/8"L. The scabbard has no markings on it and I don"t have the frog for it.

blinddog


I think its French too


http://www.michaeldlong.com/kolistB/1/B ... 109664.htm


NORM

Thanks Norm, That is the first one I have seen that is shorter than the one I have. That was what was throwing me off. I have seen a bunch that are Longer on several sights and on E-Bay even. I now am convinced that it is French. It's gotta be, its never been used. ;D

blinddog,

Your bayonet is a French model 1886/35 for the Lebel rifle. Its the shortened version [18" over all] of the 1886 model. The handle should have a threaded top mount so it could be replaced and it should have the silver alloy handle. Your bayonet and scabbard appear to be in VG condition.

http://arms2armor.com/Bayonets/fleb1886.htm



Papa

As a young boy I had a small knife collection. Most was given to me (why I won't say here). I still have most of it. Anyway one was this bayonet. No one knew what it was. As the year wore on I'd watch movies, pictures, etc. no luck.

Then I'm running my forums tonight (first one is always the P64). And here it is with a link from papabear. I now know its French.

It's amazing what you can learn on this forum. Thanks papabear.

Thanks papabear, I have had a real head scratcher on this one. You be a smart man papabear and You really made my day. ;D ;D
Woooo Hoooo!!

Hey now, y'all both are welcome, glad I could share. The slotted silver alloy handled bayonets are fairly rare, and I believe the slot in the handle is for cleaning for rod clearance.



Papa

Neat Bayonet!

I am curious as to why the hook quillion was cut off?

The hook quillion was removed because it would get caught in the enemys bayonet and snap the French bayonet which was smaller and weaker thus rendering the French with the hook useless. At least that is what I read.