This bayonet is brass-hilted, the crossguard is iron (steel) and with a "cock's comb" muzzle-ring finial. The lower quillon is a hooked "blade-breaker" type.
The blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or "yataghan-shape." The blade is marked on the back-edge (opposite the cutting edge) with the arsenal, month, and year of manufacture; this is done in engraved cursive fashion something like, "Mre Imperiale de Chatellerault Octobre 1865" or perhaps "Mle 1842". These bayonets were manufactured from 1842 to about 1866 at which time they were superceded by the French Model 1866 "Chassepot" Bayonet. Blade 59cm, the full length 70cm
Heavy steel scabbard with belt ring, numbered, with a ball finial 59 cm long. The bayonet and scabbard are in excellent condition for their age. The blade has its original steel patina and is free from rust and has minimal staining. The grip and hilt are intact and the spring works. The scabbard is in very good condition with on overall brown patina and one small dent, see the pictures.