Can anyone identify this?

**icydee** · 11-28-2016, 01:23 PM

Hi.

I was given a bayonet and scabard many years ago (probably about 40years!) by one of my grandfathers and I can't remember which one (which would probably indicate WWI or WWII).

So, photo's attached, any information would be very welcome.

Kind Regards
Iain

**kradman** · 11-28-2016, 01:32 PM

Looks like a FRENCH M/1886 Sword bayonet to me

**douglas2496** · 11-28-2016, 02:29 PM

Yes indeed. It is the wartime produced 1886/15 Lebel rifle bayonet produced (without the hooked quillon) 1915-18.

This is the standard bayonet of French soldiers during WW1 (although other types were also in use).

Welcome to the forum.

**lithgow** · 11-28-2016, 05:17 PM

Not a 'sword' bayo though-it's a cruciform type meant for stabbing only, used into WW2 as the long infantry rifles that mounted it were still in service with French forces (Lebel and Berthier 8mm).

**icydee** · 11-28-2016, 05:43 PM

Thanks guys for the prompt reply!

French WWI hey? (that might explain why it does not look like it has been used (joke))

**douglas2496** · 11-28-2016, 05:47 PM

I fully understand thats a joke and not meant to offend, but i think its only fair to point out that The French Army lost 1,150,000 killed or missing in action in WW1, just in case you didnt know.

**ziomanno** · 11-28-2016, 09:09 PM

by douglas2496

I fully understand thats a joke and not meant to offend, but i think its only fair to point out that The French Army lost 1,150,000 killed or missing in action in WW1, just in case you didnt know.

👏👏👏

**icydee** · 11-29-2016, 09:05 AM

by douglas2496

I fully understand thats a joke and not meant to offend, but i think its only fair to point out that The French Army lost 1,150,000 killed or missing in action in WW1, just in case you didnt know.

Quite right to point it out, my apologies. Sometimes my sense of 'humour' is not appropriate. I consider myself well and truly zen-slapped. I will not make this mistake again.