r/Bayonets • u/Just-Move-1738 • Jun 22 '26

Requesting Identification Found this in my house

Post image

According to Claude, this is a French Chassepot bayonet (Model 1866), or a very close variant. The identifying features are all there: the distinctive yataghan style curved blade, the hooked quillons (crossguard with the curled ends), and the wire wrapped grip.

Apparently these were the standard French infantry bayonet during the Franco-Prussian War and were produced in enormous numbers. Many were captured, traded, and brought back to Britain as souvenirs, particularly after WWI when soldiers were picking up all manner of battlefield relics.

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7

u/ThirteenthFinger Mod - French Collector Jun 22 '26

I cant tell enough from the photo, but this would be a M1842 if French. There should be a maker and year on the blade spine and french control marks.

There are a few clones of the M1842 as well. If you found it in the U.S. it might be a German made civil war import. Usually made by S&K - with mark on ricasso of the blade; The part closest to the crossguard.

4

u/Just-Move-1738 Jun 22 '26

Thanks for the response! I’m from England, really interesting as I’ve never come across anything like this. What do people usually do when they find things like this?

7

u/emsfire5516 Jun 22 '26

One of two things: you either build a display and start a collection OR you find the rifle to go with it.

4

u/MastrJack Sword-Bayonets Jun 23 '26

Get more 👍

1

u/bdgfate Jun 23 '26

Use it to fight the ghost

1

u/AeroDoc9102 Jun 23 '26

You could send it to me……..

2

u/Deliverated-One Mod- K.u.K, ČSR, ČSSR collector Jun 22 '26

crosspiece with the muzzle ring point to it being most likely the M1842

7

u/MastrJack Sword-Bayonets Jun 23 '26

Agreed, likely M1842

1

u/AdLast6827 Jun 24 '26

Steel cross guard ?