French 1866 Pattern Chassepot Sword Bayonet

This bayonet was designed to fit on the French Model 1866 Chassepot Rifled Infantry Musket (It was manufactured from 1866 to about 1874 and was replaced by the French Model 1874 Gras Bayonet.
This bayonet is brass-hilted with a spring steel latch on the right side. The cross guard is steel and has a screw-type latch to tightening the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is the hooked blade-breaker type and the blade is steel, single-edged and fullered on both sides, with a re-curved or yataghan-shape. The blade is marked on the back-edge with the arsenal details, in this case, it looks like Mre d' Armes de St. Etienne 1874. The marks are a little worn, but still just readable. It is also marked on the guard, quillon, and ricasso, please see pictures.
The condition of the blade is good, some dark staining but no pitting. The hilt is also in the same good order and the brass grip is unpolished.
It has its original steel scabbard, this is marked with various numbers and the scabbard is in very good order and the whole piece is in untouched.
A very good example of this type of bayonet and in a very collectable grade. It measures 28.5 inches long.
Shipping to UK mainland only
"Mre d' Armes de Chatellerault Janvier 1866" or perhaps "Mre d' Armes de St. Etienne 8bre October 1868". Contrary to novice speculation, these inscriptions are not the name of a lieutenant or major, nor is it a presentation date.
Additionally, these were not used during the American Civil War.
Arsenals encountered may be such as Chatellerault, Mutzig, St. Etienne, Paris-Oudry, Tulle, and perhaps Steyr (not confirmed on the 1866).

Code: 30735