French Army Lebel Sword Bayonet With Scabbard Dated 1874

The French Army Lebel Sword Bayonet with Scabbard, dated 1874, is a military edged weapon originally designed for attachment to the French Model 1886 Lebel rifle. Notable for its unique cruciform blade, this bayonet measures approximately 20.5 inches in blade length, providing both reach and durability in close combat situations. The handle typically features a metal grip with a curved quillon and a push-button release mechanism for secure mounting. The date of 1874, stamped on the blade or hilt, references the period of manufacture or acceptance into service. The accompanying steel scabbard is designed to fully enclose and protect the blade, featuring a ball-tipped end and often a belt loop for field carriage. Widely issued to French infantry units during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Lebel bayonet became a standard sidearm during World War I, reflecting the evolution of military equipment in a period of rapid technological change.