I have a Bayonet that my dad brought with his first week wages in 1931 from an antique shop in central London. The Bayonet is engraved in I think french and is dated 1842 - 65. I think it may have belonged to a captain of some sorts I would like some help to identify this Bayonet and translate the script. I’m not looking to sell it just some information at this stage.

I’m having problems uploading the photo so I would happy to email a photo to whom ever could help me.

Does it look vaguely like either of these two bayonets? Top or bottom? The top is an M1874 Gras bayonet and the bottom an M1842 bayonet. Both can have script written along the spine of the blade.

I ask, because these are the two of the most common French bayonets that you see, along with the M 1866 Chassepot Bayonet, which looks similar to the bottom one. Different exact models, manufacturers, specifications, etc.. can increase or decrease value.. but they are not particularly rare/valuable in most forms. That being said, we absolutely cannot say anything without photos! Perhaps messaging a moderator could help.

Cheers,
Hadrian

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Yes it looks like the bottom one,

I can’t lower The pixels on the iPhone so I’m not able to up load a picture. I know someone who say he can do it for me on a window PC but that won’t be until tomorrow.

Thanks for you assistance thus far.

finally done it - I would be grateful if anyone could translate.

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I have been told that it’s says: imperial manufactory of Chateraullaut (apparently a town in France) May 1865. He wasn’t sure what the JB 16 le 1842 bit was though.

Are you able to assist further? Thanks in advance.

Hi,
Model 1842 bayonet manufactured in 1865., Hope this helps.
Regards,
Norman.

Thank you , yes that’s great help I now have it full translated and know the model.

Out of curiosity what would you say is value is?

The problem is that we would need more photos to gauge the condition. Does it have its scabbard? We need to be able to tell if it has been 'cleaned up' (which could be a negative), or if it is rusted (negative), or just has an even patina (positive). All of this greatly effects value.

Unfortunately these bayonets are not particularly rare/valuable. They were issued all over France and (now former) French territories, and copied and used in different countries including Egypt, Belgium, Argentina, and even the United States.. and were still in service in provincial contexts to the beginning of the great war. So there are literally hundreds of thousands of these bayonets around.

Typical ones in good condition tend to sell for around £150-200 on somewhere like eBay or generic auction house (about $175-225 USD for those based in USA) --but they can plummet if in any sort of poor condition. Ones in average condition tend to sell at/around £100. Lower end on the condition spectrum will sell at £50. If the piece is in absolutely exceptional or mint condition, with the original belt frog, etc.. you might be able to get £225-250 out of it at the maximum top end.

Best,
Hadrian

I thought it was a M1866 Chassepot Bayonet, is that the same thing?

Condition wise it looks pretty much like the one in the picture and yes it has the belt loop on the Scabbard.

I went in to Portsmouth a few years back and was told that I should insure it. I know know about that if it’s only worth £50-£250. It isn’t rusty bore has it been cleaned. It looks like it should after such a long time.

Not quite the same, but very close, an M 1842 is the precursor to the M 1866. Yours just predates the M 1866, by being manufactured a year earlier.. and so is (infact) an M 1842. The cross guard looks different on an M 1842 vs an M 1866. So it is most definitely an M 1842.

Again, it is slightly hard/confusing to do without photos of the whole piece. Prices quoted stand.
Just because it isn't rusty doesn't mean it necessarily has been cleaned. Often if kept dry/oiled a sword/bayonet/knife will not rust.

Here are a couple of examples for sale (one is rusty, so if yours is not, yours is probably worth slightly more):
https://www.kingsshillingantiques.com/index.php/bayonets/other-nations/1202-an1649-model-1842-french-issue-yataghan-bayonet-in-scabbard

From an Auction (I do not recommend this auction house, but this price is correct):
https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/7262273-french-model-1842-yataghan-sword-bayonet

Here is one in good condition (not selling) at £225:
https://www.gunstar.co.uk/french-model-1842-yataghan-sword-bayonet-with-brass-grip-for/Blades/881818

Here is some further information:
http://arms2armor.com/Bayonets/fren1842.htm

Best,
Hadrian

Thank you that’s very informative, I’m so pleased I found this site. I always promise I would find out as much information as I can about the Bayonet and you have been brilliant and I thank you for the insight.

I’m not looking to sell the Bayonet as I intend to pass it along to my son at some stage.

Thanks again.

Keith that's a nice bit of kit, well done to your dad for getting it. I really like the French 19th century bayonets, and that one in particular is graceful and attractive. Maybe something to put on the wall over the fireplace, if it would suit your house?!

Keith Sutherland wrote:

Thank you that’s very informative, I’m so pleased I found this site. I always promise I would find out as much information as I can about the Bayonet and you have been brilliant and I thank you for the insight. I’m not looking to sell the Bayonet as I intend to pass it along to my son at some stage. Thanks again.