French Model 1866 Chassepot Bayonet, Mfg. 1871, No Scabbard, s/n 53380

French Model 1866 Chassepot Bayonet manufactured at the St. Etienne Arsenal circa March 1871. Brass-hilted with a spring steel latching arrangement on the right side. The crossguard is iron (steel) and has a screw-type tightening arrangement on the muzzle-ring. The lower quillon is a hooked "blade-breaker" type. The blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or "yataghan-shape" that is ~22-1/2" in length. Blades is marked in script on the back-edge (opposite the cutting edge) with the arsenal, month, and year of manufacture; this is done in engraved cursive fashion. Overall condition is about good with minor pitting on the last 2" of the tip. Blade is covered in dark oxide overall but should clean up; no heavy pitting. No scabbard with this bayonet.