On eBay Now...WWI/ WWII French M1886/35 Lebel Bayonet & Scabbard-Matching Serial Châtellerault For Sale
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
WWI/ WWII French M1886/35 Lebel Bayonet & Scabbard-Matching Serial Châtellerault:
$300.00
Up for sale is a beautifully preserved, 100% authentic French Modèle 1886/35 Lebel "Épée" Infantry Bayonet and matching shortened steel scabbard.This specific piece is a fascinating historical crossover weapon that served the French military across both World Wars. It started its life during the height of World War I and was later structurally upgraded by a French state arsenal in 1935 to meet modern tactical requirements on the battlefields of World War II.Historical Significance & Arsenal Lifecycles
World War I Production (The Birth):
This bayonet was originally manufactured at the prestigious Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault (MAC) as a full-length, 20.5-inch needle-spike bayonet. It features a late-WWI cast brass handle, introduced in late 1914 to accelerate factory production. The hilt block is crisply stamped with serial number B 42579, matching it to its original issued Lebel infantry rifle.
The 1935 Modernization Program (The Rebirth):
In anticipation of highly mobile, mechanized warfare, the French military recalled these long weapons in 1935. Arsenals aggressively shortened the blades by roughly 7 inches, re-ground a sharp defensive point directly into the cruciform fluting, and truncated the scabbards to form the compact Mle 1886/35 profile used during the 1940 Battle of France.Crisp Proof Marks & Authentication Features
Crossguard Block:
Stamped with the letter prefix and serial B 42579 (Châtellerault Arsenal allocation).
Blade Ricasso:
Stamped with two crisp, official inspector marks (poinçons de contrôle): a "Circle T" indicating the Director of Manufacture, and a "Circle S" indicating the Chief Arms Inspector.
Scabbard Tube:
Displays the authentic, smooth brass-brazed longitudinal seam along the steel tube—the unmistakable hallmark of original, rolled sheet-steel French military production. The original internal throat liner assembly and leaf-spring retention tabs remain tight and fully functional.
Verified Dimensions & Specifications
Overall Bayonet Length: 17 7/8 inches (454 mm)
Blade Length: 13 1/4 inches (336 mm)
Scabbard Length: 14 1/4 inches (362 mm)
Blade Profile: 4-Fluted Cruciform SpikeGrip Material:
Cast Solid Brass (Direct-tang cast, variant without pommel nut)Condition Report
This set is in Excellent/Very Good Vintage Condition for a century-old combat veteran. The blade steel remains incredibly bright and clean with zero severe pitting. The brass handle has aged into a beautiful, uncleaned dark gold patina with crisp edges and a perfectly operational locking press-button mechanism. The steel scabbard retains an exceptional amount of its original deep factory chemical bluing. No cracks, major dents, or aftermarket alterations.Please see all macro photos to inspect the stamps, seams, and dimensions for yourself. This item is sold as-is as a historical collectible.Please Note: The bayonet crossguard features a crisp serial number, while the matching-length shortened scabbard is completely un-serialized (blank frog loop). This is a common and correct variation for French arsenal refurbishment programs, representing a fresh-stock depot replacement scabbard issued during the 1935 modernization conversion.Please see all macro photos to inspect the stamps, seams, and dimensions for yourself. This item is sold as-is as a historical collectible. No returns. Related Items:
6 Soldier Photos /Military RPPC & Photo Lot -- Soldiers Uniforms WWI WWII (DD)
$14.00
WWI WWII GERMAN P08 ARTILLERY LUGER PISTOL WOODEN HOLSTER
$215.96
WWI WWII GERMAN P08 P-08 LUGER PISTOL TAKE DOWN TOOL
$23.96