Original Item: Only One Available. Known affectionately as “Rosalie” to French troops, the M1886 was the French mainstay during WWI and many were still in service at the Fall of France in 1940. The Lebel also saw extensive use worldwide by native troops in the French colonies. The M1886 introduced the distinctive cruciform blade, which remained a feature of most French bayonets until 1956. This was intended to create such a terrible would that because of it’s shape torn open very easily condemning the poor recipient to a very painful and long recovery.
This example is a very scarce FIRST MODEL example of this bayonet, which underwent many revisions during service history. The very first model is identified by the very small steel tang rod shown on the back hilt of the bayonet. This was swiftly replaced with a much larger one allowing easier disassembly of the bayonet in field workshops. This bayonet also escaped later modifications, which would remove the hooked quillion, press-button lock, and long 20 1/2 inch blade.
In a very nice out of attic condition, just needs a good cleaning and it will be ready to display.