Is this a a French Épée-Baïonnette Modèle 1886 circa 1915? Value in this condition?

After Googling this afternoon, I think this is a a French Épée-Baïonnette Modèle 1886 circa 1915. Can anyone confirm that or correct me? The scabbard is 21" long. The bayonet sword with the handle is 25 /18" long. The blade is 20 1/2". The 4 sided blade is marked CF. I don't see any marks on the scabbard. It has a very heavy oil odor. Does it have any value in this condition? Thank you.

 

If I remember correctly fencing swords often aren't worth much in really good condition. This may be worth more as a designer decorative piece than as an antique.

 

I think it's a bayonet (as stated by OP), not a fencing sword. The ball tip is on the scabbard. Other than that, can't help

 

I don't think this is a fencing sword but a bayonet for a French rifle from WWI.
It looks like one I found on a Military Forum that said it was manufactured to fit the French Model 1886 Lebel Infantry Rifle.

 

Bob types faster than I do. The second photo shows the blade without the scabbard.

 

I agree.

http://www.collectorssource.com/french-lebel-bayonet.html

--- Susan

 

I've got one of these hanging on my wall. Komokwa might have some more info, I know he has an interest in bayonets also.

 

Well , Steve...Lady found it , & all I can add is that it will have more value cleaned up....but rusty like it is , no one is going to beat a path to Mill Coves door.

The heavy oil odor is strange because a good coat would have stopped the rust !

( & yes I have a bayonet within arms reach..... LOL.. )

 

Thanks Susan. Mine looks like it was just dug up compared to the one in that link.

Thanks Steve and Komokwa. What is the best way to clean this? Can I use electrolysis? Thanks for the help.
Mill

 

I'm not quite sure.
We have a liquid called CLR up here.....I'd try that...

 

Hmm, this is what happens when fingers engage before brain does. Bayonet. Duh. On the other hand, I still don't see it being earth-shatteringly dear.

 

I'd leave the rust. It's honest, the oil was probably grease on the blade where it matters, and anyone wanting this type of bayonet would probably have their own preferences for cleaning. A spot of rust is not a deterrent.

It looks as if it has an ivory handle? That would be unusual.

 

Seriously ?
No bayonet like this would have an ivory handle !
It wouldn't be practical , or stand up to being slotted into a metal rifle...!
And the expense to make thousands........seriously.....???

but.....yes one could leave the rust as it is.....but it ain't no " just a spot ! "

I still think , cleaned up...it would fetch a higher value.

 

No bayonet like this would have an ivory handle !
It wouldn't be practical , or stand up to being slotted into a metal rifle...!
And the expense to make thousands........seriously.....???

In the pictures I see it looks white and homogenoue. Maybe the Presidential Guard had some for ceremonial strutting about. But I did not think it was ivory, just that it was not clear to me what it was.

But it could be practical, the barrel lug sliders in a metal slide on the tang, the rest could be a solid ivory block. It would not be in contact with the barrel.Ivory is frequently used on quality pocket knife and razor sides.

 

I'm just not seein what you're seein....
Ivory is also used on sword handles....& by several large animals !

 

Looks to me like there's verdigris on the handle. I'd guess brass, maybe nickel plated.

 

Definitely some type of metal.

 

I found this on eBay.
CRUCIFORM BAYONET SCABBARD FRENCH M1886 LEBEL MILITARY RIFLE Very Low #1790 19"L
111562777136

FRENCH WW1 MODEL 1886 LEBEL CRUCIFORM BAYONET AND SCABBARD - FREE SHIPPING!
301445335016

 

Thank you for the links. After looking at some of those photographs, I think I should clean a little rust off to see if I have serial numbers.

 

Yes. Mine for sure has a metal handle, silver in color, but not sure if it is plated or not.