Need help with French bayonet and Rifle

[Hun Helmet]

I bought a French bayonet and when I got it in the mail it would not attach to the berthier rifle I have. Before I bought it I consulted a bayonet collecting forum and seek advice. Everything checked out but I was not able to find a photo of the bayo on a berthier so I went in a bit blind...

Here is the bayonet as it was on Ebay,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

And here is the thread I posted on showing photos of the bayo, rifle and my confusion,

http://www.militariacollecting.com/index.php?showtopic=29477

I only have a 7 day inspection period so need to know for sure if it's me or the bayonet that is the problem.

Mike

[Daniel Murphy]

Actually, this IS a berthier bayonet. So the fact that it does not fit your rifle, may not get you a refund. The problem is, that this a carbine bayonet and will not fit the rifle. Your rifle should take a standard lebel cruciform bayonet that was used on all rifles. Whomever in the French military that decided on two different bayonets that were not interchangable between long rifles and carbines, should have had his head examined. However, they went for it and the carbine bayonets are actually rather scarce and worth more. If the seller is a nice guy, he may give you the refund, but we are talking ebay here folks .

Dan Murphy

[Hun Helmet]

Thanks for solving the mystery! Seller will take it back as he offers a seven day inspection period. I told him I'd list it for sale and I have on another forum. It's a nice bayonet and it might sell saving me and the seller the hassel of a return. I always try to sell off un wanted items before I bother a seller.

Do you happen to know what the bayonet is called I am seeking? What year was it introduced? Is it a blade bayonet or a needle type?

Mike

[Daniel Murphy]

You are looking for a Mde 1886 needle bayonet. Like this one.

[Hun Helmet]

Thanks. I see them all over I just did not like the needle so I got the blade type. Darn.

Mike