France, III Republic. An M1866 Chassepot Yataghan Sword Bayonet, by Alexander Coppel of Solingen

This bayonet features a 575 mm long steel blade, magnetic, incorporating a semi-sharp blade and a very sharp tip, the fuller running three-quarters of the length of the bayonet on both sides, marked with a capital "C" within a recessed circle on the obverse ricasso, maker marked with an "A" and a "C" flanking a set of scales (Alexander Coppel of Solingen) on the reverse ricasso. The blade is embedded into the heavy steel crossguard that is designed with an upward-facing hooked quillon which is marked with a capital "C" within a recessed circle on the obverse at one end, the other end with a ring for placement upon the barrel of a rifle and finished with a small round stud, the handle in brass with a multi-ribbed grip on both sides, incorporating two rivets, the pommel with knob and mortise slot to receive the rifle, the bayonet measuring 700 mm in length overall. The bayonet is housed in its magnetic metal scabbard, the end point finished in a ball finial, the throat secured in place by two rivets, with a u-shaped bracket affixed to the reverse, the scabbard measuring 587 mm in length. The blade exhibits scratches overall, common to extraction and return to the scabbard, along with surface wear and pitting, surface rust present on both the blade and the crossguard, contact marks on the handle, the scabbard with surface rust and bubbling, along with multiple contact marks. Near fine.