French M1866 Chassepot Rifle Bayonet and Matching Scabbard, Tulle Arsenal, Dated July 1868

An excellent original example of the French Model 1866 bayonet, designed for use with the Chassepot bolt-action rifle, adopted during the Second French Empire. The M1866 “Yataghan-blade” bayonet features a distinctive curved blade with a broad single fuller, forged from high-quality steel and measuring approximately 575mm in length. The hilt is made from brass, with a solid ribbed grip and a steel crossguard featuring a forward-swept quillon.

This example is clearly marked to the Tulle Arsenal, with a production date of July 1868, making it an early model issued just before the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. The spine of the blade is crisply marked: “Mre Impr de Tulle, 7bre 1868” (Manufacture Imperial de Tulle, July 1868 – archaic French spelling).

Includes its original steel scabbard with matching serial, complete with ball finial and matching age patina. The locking mechanism and press-stud are in working order.

Condition: Very Good, little original finish on the scabbard
Overall Length: Approx. 690mm