French 19th Century Chassepot Bayonet

[paulb104]

I'm told that this is a French 19th Century Chassepot Bayonet.

 

It's actually owned by a friend, a (very) senior who has me helping him sell his collection'o'stuff.

 

This is about twenty eight inches long total including the hilt. In the handguard is stamped a five digit number that matches the five digit number stamped into the metal sheath: 74238. I'm fairly certain that on the handguard, to the left of the number, there is something else either stamped or engraved but I cannot make it out due to the condition of the metal. On this side of the blade at the base of the blade there is something stamped in the steel but the handguard is partially covering it. Maybe it's a number. One the other side of the blade, again at the base of the blade, there are two hallmarks, one is an M, the other in an M with a crown (or something) above it.

[paulb104]

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[SARGE]

Nice to have the matching serial numbered scabbard with the French bayonet. There may also be a lightly engraved marking on the spine of the blade. That would indicate who made the bayonet and when.