France, II Empire. An M1842 Yataghan Sword Bayonet

This bayonet features a 570 mm long steel blade, with a curved or "yataghan" shape, magnetic, incorporating a semi-sharp blade and a semi-sharp tip, the fuller running three-quarters of the length of the bayonet on both sides, marked with a unique insignia that appears to be a large "B" combined with a semi-circle on its left side, with a capital "P" and a Gothic scripted "A" just below the unique insignia on the obverse ricasso. The blade is embedded into the heavy steel crossguard that is designed with a muzzle ring at one end that incorporates an upward-pointing "cock's comb" design on the finial, the other end with a downward-pointing quillon with a flattened round end, the handle in brass with a multi-ribbed grip on both sides, incorporating a single rivet, the pommel with knob and mortise slot to receive the rifle, the bayonet measuring 695 mm in length overall. The blade exhibits scratches overall, common to extraction and return to a scabbard, along with some surface wear and a few rust spots, the crossguard with nicks and surface wear, along with contact marks on the handle. Near fine.