French M 1892 Mannlichner Bertier bayonet. Matching. First model, with rare blade spine inscription and Navy anchor. (ABCN874-2-5-8)(K636)(JN73-2)
Mannlicher Berthier carbine M 1892, Serial number: F 84544 Matching! on quillon. First model. Superb bright finished fullered blade with a typical V-form in the spine running to the tip and a square fuller. Blade spine with the very early and very crisp French maker's inscription and date: Mre. d Ármes de Chatt. Juillet 1893. (= National Weapons factory of Châtellerault, July 1893 ). Crossguard is marked with a Navy anchor indicating colonial or Navy use. Three inspection markings B and C in circles and C in a diamant shape on the ricasso. Excellent bright finished pommel and crossguard with intact hooked quillon. Left side of the quillon is marked with a C in a diamant shape. First model: short muzzle ring. MRD 13 mm. Excellent wooden grips affixed to the blade tang by two large steel rivets. Excellent matching blued dents free scabbard.
Only the first M 1892 models had blade spine inscriptions. These are very rare and seldom found, and are even more rare with a Navy marking and Matching!
Note: After damage, the fragile composite grips were replaced by wooden grips during WWI.