Lebel Model 1886 Bayonet and Scabbard : French Army

Accession Number REL34473
Collection type Technology
Object type Edged weapon or club
Maker Unknown
Place made France
Date made c 1886
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Lebel Model 1886 bayonet and scabbard. The bayonet has a spear point, cruciform blade that is attached to a white alloy handle. The down swept hook quillon crossguard with a muzzle ring is riveted to the tang. A spring loaded locking collar, with a round button latch behind the guard, secures the bayonet via a mortise slot to the rifle barrel lug. The scabbard, with a rectangular frog loop collar 15 mm from the throat, is round and tapers to a ball end. Serial number 71159 is marked on the quillon.

History / Summary

This is an early example of the Lebel M1886 bayonet. It was possibly collected in Syria by Lieutenant Colonel (later Brigadier) John Field when commanding the 2/12 Infantry Battalion, A.I.F.