Yataghan sword bayonet for use on the 11 mm. M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle.

The M1866 rifle was referred to as the Chassepot, after its inventor, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot.


The M1866 bayonet also mounts to the 11 mm. M1874 Gras rifle, although this example is difficult to mount to the Gras in my collection.


M1866 bayonets were produced at the French state arms plants:

—Chatellerault
—Mutzig
—St. Etienne
—Tulle


Also by French government contractors:

—Cahen & Lyon, Paris
—Charles Reeves & Co., Birmingham
—Christofle, Paris
—Stehelin & Cie., Bitschwiller, Thunn
—Y. Funcke & Cie ., Herdecke


Government bayonets are marked on the blade spine with the factory, month, and year of production.