Original French WWI Lebel M.1886 Nickel Handle Cruciform Épée Bayonet with 16" Blade & Steel Scabbard Category_MG 34 Feed Assembly Sailors in rows behind him

Sailors in rows behind him

and the area under the portepee is quite a bit lighter in color

The sides of the butt stock are marked with rack numbers

War savings stamps were issued by the United States Treasury Department to help fund participation in World War I and World War II

The breech end of the barrel has additional proof marks

Original French WWI Lebel M.1886 Nickel Handle Cruciform Épée Bayonet with 16" Blade & Steel Scabbard Category_MG 34 Feed Assembly Sailors in rows behind himOriginal Item: Only One Available. Known affectionately as Rosalie to French troops, the M1886 was the French mainstay during WWI and many were still in service at the Fall of France in 1940. The Lebel also saw extensive use worldwide by native troops in the French colonies. The M1886 introduced the distinctive cruciform "pe" blade, which remained a feature of most French bayonets until 1956. This was intended to create such a terrible wound that