New purchase: French Lebel 1886 Mle bayonet

[MadameVoltaire]

Hi all,

I would like to share some photos of my new purchase, a French Lebel 1886 Mle bayonet. I know that it has some battle scars and the scabbard and blade do not have matching serial number but that doesn't bother me. The serial number on the blade is P54683 or P54583 and the serial number on the scabbard is B or P 85981. They are a little hard to read due to wear and age. The spring loaded locking collar still works beautifully though. I don't think it's a modified German capture as it looks a little longer than the other photos of the modified German captures I've looked at on the WRF. But I'm happy to be corrected as I'm still a novice. Any advice about protecting the frog loop collar would be appreciated.

Kind regards,
MadameVoltaire

[AndyB]

Looks like described a M1886 Lebel piece, P serial would be probably correct for Saint Etienne rifle. The scabbard was painted black.Possible even the blade, not any signs for german use. Frog is proper one, but mising the small secure strap.

[MadameVoltaire]

Thank you for this information Andy

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

This is a Lebel Baionnnette Mle 1886 "Rosalie" 1st model with nickel silver handle.

This has no German modifications.

These bayonets were also used by the Wehrmacht in their original condition. Without modifications.

Regards

[MadameVoltaire]

Thanks Sleepwalker. Very interesting information

[Reibert]

@AndyB and Sleepwalker

hi mates,
then this bayonet, which I received some time ago as an "by-catch", is an identical model or perhaps a different "sub-model"?

It doesn't come across well in the pictures, but this is also a nickel silver handle on the bayonet.

Interesting that there is no drainage hole drilled in the scabbard of my bayonet.

Thanks in advance,
R

[AndyB]

Important are the prefix letter in front of serial number. Lebel M1886 or M1886/90 depends on countersunk on pommel with the later modell. These weapons were already obsolete in WW1. Since 1915 they produced Mannlicher Berthiers in large numbers for it was destined the M1886/15 wout hook.

[Reibert]

Andy, will now, little by little, post pictures of the bayonet here in the thread.

In particular, I will also try to show details of the stampings.

[Reibert]

...

[Reibert]

The dent in the scabbard is also interesting for me.
Possibly caused by a bullet, or shrapnel?