French M1842/59 bayonet and scabbard Bayonets

French M1842/59 bayonet and scabbard Sn ED 2198 - ED 2198

This is a French M1842/59 bayonet and steel scabbard, with internal coil spring locking catch instead of the external spring of the Model 42 bayonet, hence its designation. The bayonet has a cast iron cross guard instead of brass cross guard of 1842. This bayonet was short lived from 1859 to 1866 when the Chassepot rifle and bayonet were produced. The bayonet has a brass hilt with a cast iron crossguard and a yataghan blade. The top edge of the blade carries the manufacturer Chattlerault, the date of manufacture January 1861 and the model number date of 1842. The internal coil spring of the M 1859 was not considered successful by the French and the M1866 Chassepot reverted to the leaf spring. These bayonets are not common. See White and Watts No 189 on page 83 and 90. Also see Martin J. Brayley, An Illustrated History of Bayonets, pages 70 and 71. Price includes UK delivery. Sn. ED 2198

£275.00