French, M1842/59 Bayonet and Scabbard. BAYO 379 Bayonet

This is a nice French M1842/59 bayonet and steel scabbard, with internal coil spring locking catch instead of the external spring of the Model 1842 bayonet, hence its designation. The bayonet has a cast steel cross guard instead of a brass cross guard of Model 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 steel crossguard and a yataghan blade. The blade is bright in excellent condition and the top edge is crisply engraved with the manufacturer Chattlerault, the date of manufacture 1860 and the bayonets model number 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. The bayonet is fitted with a later leather frog. 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. BAYO 379