Original Item: One Only. A most interesting French bayonet, originally made in 1868, which saw service during the Franco-Prussian war. It was captured by the Prussia, and then reissued to reserve troops during WW1 under the German Empire. The yataghan blade is engraved with the maker on the spine:
Mre. IMPale.DE MUTZIG, FEVRIERE 1868
(Manufactured at the Imperial Arsenal at Mutzig in 1868)
The bayonet has a 23″ blade with an overall length of 28″. The steel hooked crossguard is marked:
118.L.I.3. 248
These are in fact German Regimental unit numbers from the WW1 era, when everything available was put into service. This bayonet was most likely reissued for rear reserve troops.
Bayonet comes complete with steel scabbard still showing a few dings and evidence of minor pitting from decades of service. A French Bayonet made in 1868 that saw service for the Germans in WW1, in nice cleaned and polished condition ready for display.