A Superb 19th-20th Century French 1886-1916 Pattern Lebel Rifle Epee Sword Bayonet. WW1 French Foreign Legion Issue

With full quillon, complete, and in extra fine condition. Used by the French Foreign Legion into WW1, a very good example of these long and impressive sword bayonets.65.5cm long overall. {25.75 inches}. Cross section epee blade nickle hilt

Our current just arrived selection of bayonets ranges from a collection just acquired of really great and rare bayonets, from a collector who wanted the very best he could find over the past 40 years. Rare French examples from the Russian contract during WW1, uncovered in Ukraine in the late 90's, French Foreign Legion bayonets, acquired from a French Foreign Legion reserve armoury depot clear-out in the 70's,

The bayonet was made famous as the bayonet used by the French Foreign Legion from 1916, used in WWI and WWII, albeit with several modifications. The bayonet was produced with a long cruciform blade on a white alloy hilt. The crossguard originally had a downswept quillon {removed in 1916} and had a press button rifle locking mechanism.

Code: 25981