BACKGROUND: The Model 1866 Sabre Bayonet was one of the most copied and countries including Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and the United States all manufactured or used similar Bayonets. This bayonet was designed for use with the French Model 1866 Chassepot Rifled Infantry Musket and was manufactured from 1866 to 1874 before being replaced by the French Model 1874 "Gras" Bayonet.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A Model 1866 Sabre Bayonet with its sheet steel scabbard. The bayonet has a single fuller, 57.5cm long steel blade with a cross hilt and a solid brass handle. The blade has a re-curve or "yataghan-shape". The crossguard has a screw tightened muzzle socket to one side and a forward curved quillon to the other. The crossguard is stamped with "X 4160 " while the quillon is stamped with various markings. The solid brass handle has a "T" slot cut with a spring steel latching arrangement and is attached by two round headed steel rivets.The sheet rolled steel, ball finial tipped, scabbard measures 59cm and has stamped near the throat "V 1787".