Not that strange and fits in with the German tradition of dress sidearms. It originated as a Chassepot bayonet, but the blade has been replaced and fitted with a sword blade. That blade is cut down from the original length. The etching may have been (probably) already on the sword blade. But it is possible it was added later once fitted to the bayonet hilt. The etching is in the style of Solingen makers. Probably in use late 1880's to early 1900's and could have been the "walking out" side arm of a Heer NCO or some other lower rank government official. It is authentic and collectible for what it is. The tradition of etched bayonet side arms goes back a long way.
The image is from a 1908 Catalogue where etched sidearms include the earlier Model 1871, which was still available as well M1898 bayonets.
Thank you for the answer. Additional data - the length of the bayonet - 710 mm, the length of the blade - 585 mm, the width of the blade - 26 mm.
For German bayonets, etching-for ceremonial bayonets to order-is common. But for Chassepot bayonet (converted) - I have not met. Etching - modern?
I agree not common to see such a conversion, but my point is this was likely a private conversion but it fit's into the larger tradition of etched bayonets. So it was possible to have such a conversion (refitting blade to etching) arranged through one of the many military outfitter shops and small firms in Solingen. Etching is not "modern", easily 100 years old.
A very cool combo.
Has the mortise slot been modified at all?
Or is this still set up to be used on a chassepot rifle?
Semper Fi
Phil
I haven't received the photo yet. But the seller claims that the handle is unchanged, the button is cut off.
More photos.
La poignée de baïonnette est maintenue inchangée.
Lame remplacée. Peut-être comme un objet mémorable. Quelqu'un a-t-il déjà rencontré de telles modifications de la baïonnette de Chassepot?
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