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M1866 Chassepot (Modified)
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Yataghan sword bayonet for use on the French M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle. I have been told that this also fits on the M1874 Gras, although this example will not mount to the Gras in my collection.
This example was made in 1867 by Manufacture d'armes Tulle, France, using a blade made in Germany. The bayonet was subsequently captured by the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The Scabbard is modified by fitting a German frog stud, so that it may be carried using a M1871 belt frog. For the full story, see Researching Your Finds.
Yataghan is a Turkish word for a sword or scimitar having a double-curved blade. The double-curve added strength and rigidity, while keeping the hilt and point in alignment for thrusting efficiency.
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22.75
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27.50
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.690
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Crosspiece (Left): "R26090" and French proofmarks
Ricasso (Left): "candle lamp" or "hot air balloon" makers mark (see notes).
Ricasso (Right): "M" inside a circle
Blade (Spine): "Mre Impale de Tulle Xbre 1867"
Scabbard (Body): "50314"
Frog Stud: German proofmarks
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M1871
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Sword bayonet for use with the M1871 Mauser rifle. It has an unusual brass grip with diagonal serrations in right grip, while the left grip is smooth.
The blade was manufactured by Gebruder Simpson in Suhl. Gebruder Simpson became Simpson & Co. in 1880. However, the bayonet was assembled by the Prussian Royal Arsenal at Erfurt. The blade is marked with the Royal Cypher of King Wilhelm I (reigned 1861-1888).
I corresponded with Anthony Carter on this piece, because of the regimental markings it carried. Anthony wrote the following, " . . . Reply to Ralph Cobb about his bayonet marked 4.R.4.167 . . . It's the first bayonet I've ever recorded marked to this regiment, so it was good to hear about it. In 1878, the date of the bayonet, the Regiment's long title in English was: Grenadier Regiment King Friedrich II (3rd East Prussian) No. 4."
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18.5
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23.63
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.690
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Ricasso: "Gebr. Simpson" over "Suhl" and Crown over "Erfurt"
Blade: Crown over "W" over "78" over proofmark
Pommel: German proofmarks
Crosspiece: "4.R.4.167"
Scabbard: "4.R.4.167" and German proofmarks
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M1898 a/A
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First pattern example of the M1898, known as the a/A (alter Art = older model), with the scarce one-piece wood grip. This was the first bayonet produced for use on the famous Gew 98 Mauser rifle of WWI. This bayonet also fits on many later Mauser bolt-action rifles that were based on the Gew 98.
These blades are often called “quillback”, due to the round spine that runs through the blade like the quill of a feather.
This example was made in 1902 by Simpson & Co., Suhl. According to John Walter's book, The German Bayonet, Simpson began making the M1898 in 1902 and the transition to the two-piece grip was implemented by May 1902. This would have allowed only a few months during which Simpson produced bayonets with the one-piece grip.
This example carries the Royal Cypher of King Georg of Saxony, who reined only two years, from 1902-04.
Both the bayonet and scabbard have matching regimental markings. The regiment to which it belonged was the Königliches Sächisches (Leib) Grenadier Regiment Nr. 100 [Royal Saxon (bodyguard) Grenadier Regiment No 100]. This historic regiment was one of the most prestigious units in the Kingdom of Saxony. It was formed in 1670 in Dresden. At the beginning of WW I in 1914, it was the third oldest regiment in the entire German Army.
The slender leather scabbard was prone to damage due to its extreme length. This example evidences a repair near the tip.
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20.50
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25.75
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NMR
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Ricasso: "Simpson & Co. Suhl"
Blade: Cypher for Saxon King Georg over, "02"
Crosspiece: "100.R.3.97"
Pommel: Fraktur proofmark
Scabbard (Locket): "100.R.3.97" and German proofmarks
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