French M 1886/17 Lebel bayonet. Steel hilt. (ABCN1442-3)(K0)(JN)
Lebel rifle M 1886 and further Lebel models. Model M1886/17. Serial number: F 15580 Matching! on crossguard. Excellent long bright finished cruciform blade. The ricasso is marked with two French inspection markings. Excellent parkerized steel grip (Not alloy!) detachable to the blade tang. Pommel, is marked 4. Blackened crossguard and muzzle ring MRD 15 mm., made without a guillon. Square checkered blued press stud.
Excellent first type blued matching scabbard, with no dents.
These Lebel M 1886-15 bayonets were made without a quillon during WWI. First examples were made with silver-alloy hilts. In October 1915 the French Ministry allowed the use of brass for the hilts. It stopped in 1917. After 1917 a certain number of bayonet hilts were made from steel ( "Fonte gris") .
Steel hilt M 1886 Lebel bayonets are quite rare.
Quite a rare bayonet in an Excellent condition.