The Lebel was a bolt action, magazine fed rifle and was the first military arm to use smokeless powder. The bayonet, nicknamed “Rosalie” by French soldiers, was an “epee” style, four sided, and designed strictly for thrusting and to penetrate thick clothing and gear. The bayonet, like the rifle, had a long service life and underwent several changes. This one preserves the early style long blade and the early style hooked lower guard, both of which were phased out or modified starting in 1915 as the war entered the trench-fighting phase.

The blade on this example is a muted silver in color with some bright areas and a few gray spots toward the hilt. The hilt has lots of its original blue and the locking mechanism works. The grip is very good, with a dull silver matt finish, and is likely nickel silver. The scabbard has a deep lustrous blue. Both scabbard and guard have small maker or inspector initials and serial numbers, but they do not match.    [sr]  [ph:L]

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