French M 1878 Kropatschek Navy bayonet. Pre-serial example!(ABCN1498-3)(K0)(JN0)

French M 1878 Kropatschek Navy rifle. Low serial number:  2968 crisp in small digits on the crossguard and not on the quillon. Excellent T- shaped blade with the Austrian blade makers name: Mr. de Steyer Mr. de Werndl. only and no date!) on the blade spine. Excellent straight grip with a brass pommel and wooden grips. Grips and the external spring fixed to the blade tang by steel rivets. The mortise slot is marked: 1 and the blade tang is marked: T. Excellent riveted crossguard with forward swept quillion and muzzle ring. MRD 18 mm. No Anchor marking and no inspection markings to the quillon! 
Excellent+ not matching, blackened steel scabbard with no dents. 

Quite a rare French naval bayonet in an Excellent condition! Very hard to find bayonet!
This is a  pre-serial example, hens the absent of a date, the position of the low serial number on the crossguard and the lack of inspection markings to the quillon. (Ref. ABC Tome 3. Item ABNC N 1498 -3.