France - Bayonet for use with the 8 mm. M1886 Lebel rifle

Known affectionately as “Rosalie” to French troops, the M1886 was the French mainstay during WWI and many were still in service at the Fall of France in 1940.  The Lebel also saw extensive use worldwide by native troops in the French colonies.

The M1886 introduced the distinctive cruciform blade, which remained a feature of most French bayonets until 1956.

This is an early example that escaped later modifications, retaining its long blade, quillion, and raised round press stud. The silver-alloy grip is removable.