Closely resembling the French Model 1840 but with a "cock's comb" upper finial on the muzzle-ring and slightly longer blade. This piece is 26 6/8 inches overall and has a 21 7/8 inch blade (1 inch wide and 3/4 inch thick) unmarked spin. The blade is steel, single-edged, fullered (both sides), with a re-curved or "yataghan-shape."
These bayonets were widely copied and used by many countries, including the United States, Belgium, and Germany. On this bayonet the flat of the blade is marked with a crown and F.W.H on the reverse. This bayonet has a brass grip with a spring steel latching arrangement on the right side; button on the left. The muzzle-ring measures 23 mm. The lower quillion is hooked and pointing to the rear. Additional markings… “JC” on the pommel and “261” on the cross guard.
It is believed some of these were used during the American Civil War when many European arsenals were emptied of their surplus arms.
