M1866 French

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	Weapon: M1866 French Type: Sword Bayonet Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1866 Overall Length (mm): 570.0 Overall Length (in): 22.44 Weight (kg): 0.70 Weight (pounds): 1.54

The French M1866 bayonet, also known as the "Chassepot bayonet," was introduced alongside the French Chassepot rifle in 1866. It featured a distinctive yataghan-style blade, curved and single-edged with a sharpened back edge near the tip, measuring approximately 22.5 inches (573 mm). The crossguard included a forward-swept quillon, and the hilt was constructed from brass with a ribbed grip, giving the bayonet a unique and ornate appearance compared to more utilitarian designs of the era. The overall length of the bayonet with its rifle gave French infantrymen a considerable reach advantage in close combat.

Production of the M1866 bayonet was extensive, with over one million manufactured by French arsenals and contractors during the late 19th century. It was paired with the Chassepot needle rifle, France's standard infantry weapon during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Despite the eventual defeat of France, the M1866 gained notoriety for its effectiveness and was considered an intimidating weapon in both appearance and function. Its large size and distinctive curve made it stand out among European bayonets of the time, many of which followed more straight-bladed designs.

The M1866 remained in service through the late 19th century, often reissued with upgraded rifles such as the Gras M1874, and later appearing in secondary roles during World War I. Its long, curved blade and brass grip ensured its survival as one of the most recognizable bayonets of the 19th century, and it remains a popular collectible today. Known for both its elegance and practicality, the French M1866 bayonet symbolizes the transition from ornate Napoleonic-era edged weapons to the more standardized and utilitarian bayonets of the industrial age.