Posted 14 years ago
kodabear
(1 item)
I found this pick in a Trash Pile. I have no idea what kind of Bayonet this is. The length of the blade is 15". I was a surprised to see it in this pile of trash. Trying to get more information on this find. Thanks
It is a circa 1880 French bayonet. The original wood hand grip is missing. Can you make out an inscription on the edge? Most bayonets of that style have an inscription on the edge. Most likely it is only worth about $10.
The quillion (the under hook) makes it likely pre-World War I. I'd suggest checking sources for 1870s-1890s bayonets. Soource: http://www.collectiblefirearms.com/Bayonets.html
It's a French Model 1892, first pattern bayonet. The pre-war ones had black composition grips, and the WWI era ones had wooden grips - I assume yours was the WWI era and the wood rotted off. Anyhow, it fit the French M1892 Mannlicher Berthier rifle, which was a short rifle intended for mounted troops, telegraph and railroad units, etc.
No, I didn't remember all of this :) I just recognized it because I have one, and then flipped open "Bayonets from Janzen's Notebook."
it could be even be a ground dug battlefield relic piece? still makes a nice wall decoration on the wall or over the fire place