French M1886/93/16 Lebel Spike Bayonet

Cruciform spike blade, steel hilt with muzzle ring, brass grip, tubular steel scabbard with frog loop.

This bayonet pattern fitted to the M1886 Lebel and M1907 Berthier rifles used by the French Army during WW1, and was the third version of the M1886 (which was revised in 1893 and 1916). This version had a simplified flat locking button and was manufactured without the quillon found on earlier types. The brass handle was another expediency measure to increase production – German silver (cupro-nickel-zinc alloy) was the original material.

The scabbard has a few very small dents and a dimpled finish. Some small dings to the brass consistent with use. The hilt is serial numbered 'A74255' – the scabbard’s serial number is worn and very difficult to read but may be ‘74255’. The blade has an inspection mark ‘T’ to the forte.

Overall length 64cm (25 inches) Blade length 52cm (20½ inches).