View Full Version : french lebel bayonet


lerman
11-13-2006, 01:26 PM
hello to all, a friend of mine gave me the bayonet, and after i cleaned it i took some pics, and after a little search i turned out to be a french lebel bayonet (short version
from 1886.
now, the only thing i need to know is the meaning of the letters and numbers on it, and any other info would be welcome too.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/llerman/PB134602Medium.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/llerman/PB134595Medium.jpg
on this pic there the numbers 29027 and the letter L, on the end of the hook is the letter S
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/llerman/PB134596Medium2.jpg
on the end of the handle there's the number 2
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/llerman/PB134607Medium2.jpg
again the letter S
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/llerman/PB134598Medium2.jpg
and on the base of the blade there are two letters D and B.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l162/llerman/PB134614Medium.jpg

NJStricker
11-13-2006, 03:34 PM
I'd consult a book on foreign military armourer proof marks. The long string of numbers is likely a serial number, the others are proof numbers or inspector's stamps.

Somewhere in a closet back at my parent's place I have a bayonet to a French Gras rifle. Someone told me it was the first bolt action military rifle. The spine is hand inscribed "St. Etienne, 1864" I'll have to dig it out one of these days and post a pic.