French M 1892 Mannlicher 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, and 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.