Lot 515: A French Model 1866 Chassepot Yataghan Sword Bayonet and Scabbard
A French state-issue Model 1866 sword bayonet designed for the Chassepot needle-fire rifle. The weapon features a steel yataghan-style recurve blade with a deep fuller running along both sides. The hilt is composed of a ribbed brass grip and a steel crossguard with a forward-swept quillon terminating in a rounded finial. The crossguard includes a muzzle ring and an attachment slot for the rifle barrel. The blade ricasso bears two small circular impressed marks containing the characters B and C. The crossguard is stamped with a capital S and a numerical series. The accompanying scabbard is constructed from sheet steel and features a brass throat and a ball-tipped chape.
Condition report:
The bayonet and scabbard are in an aged, as-found condition. The steel blade and crossguard exhibit significant surface oxidation, dark patina, and pitting across their entire surface area (photo 1). There is a small notch or chip visible on the cutting edge near the tip of the blade (photo 1). The brass grip shows dark tarnish and surface grime consistent with age (photo 1). The steel scabbard shows localized rusting and wear to the finish throughout (photo 1). The mechanical attachment button on the hilt appears intact but is not tested for function.
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