French Bayonets

[Chris Boonzaier]

I have just been given a long lebel Bayonet, with Quillion and brass handle, cruciform blade.

I assume that as the Quillion has not been removed it must be WW1?

Best

Chris

[Chris Boonzaier]

Just had a closer look, it has a white alloy handle, I assume these are older than the brass ones?

[Tony]

Chris,

It's no good, I'll have it

I think the quillions were removed in about 1915, my one has the brass handle without quillion. I quite sure it's dated 1916 or someone told me the quillion was removed after 1916, haven't brought it to work with me so am not 100% sure but will check later.

Tony

[Tony]

It is now later and I've checked.

There is 15 on the end of the handle so could it be from 1915?

Anyhow, those with a quillion are earlier but I can't say if I've seen the white metal handle without a quillion.

Tony

[Chris Boonzaier]

It is now later and I've checked.

There is 15 on the end of the handle so could it be from 1915?

Anyhow, those with a quillion are earlier but I can't say if I've seen the white metal handle without a quillion.

Tony

Apparantly there is white metal-alloy (early) then brass and also steel handles. in 1915 or so they started cuttin g the Quillions off. Mine unfortunately has no date :-( but it must be pre WW1...

[Jim P]

It is a model 1866 lebel.It should be @25 inches long and the blade is non removeable.It was intended to be replaced by the 1892 Berthier,but at the out break of ww1 some surplus 1886 lebel's were again pressed into service in 1915,which is why Tonys' is marked with a 15.The proper model for your bayonet Tony,would be lebel 1886/15.

Hope this helps,

Jim P