An original French Model 1892 Berthier 2nd Type bayonet complete with its matching numbered steel scabbard. The 2nd Type was introduced in 1912 and is identified by its extended muzzle ring, designed to provide a more secure fit on the rifle. This example retains its hooked quillon, matching numbers and period personalised wooden grips, making it a particularly interesting collector’s piece.

Blade

The blade is in very good condition with a bright, clean finish. It displays the correct long fullers to both sides together with the narrow fuller running along the spine towards the point. The locking recesses near the ricasso are crisp, and the blade carries the correct circular inspection marks to the ricasso. There are no significant issues to note, making this an excellent example.

Hilt & Grips

The steel hilt retains its original hooked quillon together with a fully functioning locking button.

There is light surface rust present to the crossguard and upper hilt, consistent with age and storage.

The wooden grip panels are securely fitted with the correct large rivets commonly encountered on wartime wooden-gripped examples. The grips have been period personalised with hand-carved initials and inscriptions. One side appears to include the initials J.W. Opps together with what looks to be the date 1940, whilst the reverse also carries another carved name  J. Sielence. The inscriptions are difficult to interpret with certainty, however they clearly represent period personalisation and add individual character to the bayonet.

Scabbard

The original steel scabbard is matching numbered 80368.

It remains straight with no dents or distortion and still retains a good amount of its original blued finish. There is some light speckled surface oxidation consistent with age, but overall it presents very well. The bayonet fits the scabbard correctly and locks positively into place.

Overall

A very good matching-number French Model 1892 Berthier 2nd Type bayonet retaining its original hooked quillon and matching scabbard. The bright blade, matching numbers and unusual period personalised grip inscriptions make this a particularly attractive and individual example for the French militaria collector.

Historical Note

The French Model 1892 bayonet was designed for the Mannlicher-Berthier family of carbines. In 1912 the design was revised with an extended muzzle ring to improve the strength and stability of the mounting, creating what collectors refer to as the 2nd Type. During the First World War, wooden grips increasingly replaced the earlier composite grips, while later wartime modifications also saw many quillons shortened or removed on some examples. This bayonet retains its original full hooked quillon.

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