Scarce* French M1886/93/16 Epee Lebel Bayonet Manufactured Without Quillon with Scabbard and Hanger. 22426:4. Bayonet

The model M1886/93/16 Bayonet was standard issue to French soldiers fighting in the second half of WW1 after 1916 who were issued the Lebel rifle. The M1886 bayonet is an usual design which has a long thin cruciform Blade with a peculiar locking device just behind the muzzle ring and an all metal grip. Originally the bayonets had a nickel-silver handle and a hooked quillion. By 1916, with the need to conserve nickel for the war effort, the handles were made of brass. About the same time they were manufactured without the quillion. In 1893 a bayonet with a new press button was adopted, and this is known as the M1886/93. The design of the Lebel bayonet was again altered in 1916 so that it no longer incorporated a quillon. This is known as the M1886/93/16. The bayonets have a cruciform blade and tapered tubular scabbards. Overall length 63 ½ cm, Blade length 51 ½ cm. The bayonet has number ‘14526’ along with inspection marks around the mechanism. The blade is straight and true with minor age-related staining. The scabbard is equally as good with inspection marks. The leather hanger is supple, and all of the stitching is intact. See pages 85 & 96 No 209 of White & Watts for similar. The price includes UK delivery. 22426:4.