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**MATCHING NAVAL ANCHOR MARKS**WW1 Era French Troupes Coloniales / Fusiliers-Marins (Marines) Marked Lebel M1886/93/16 Cruciform Epee Bayonet, Scabbard & Leather Frog. Sn 22890 - 22890 The Troupes de Marine are a component of the French Army, not the Navy, despite their name. Their history dates back to 1622 as colonial troops under the French Navy, but they were transferred to the Army in 1900, becoming known as Troupes Coloniales before being renamed Troupes de Marine in 1958. Today, the Troupes de Marine are a versatile force with a primary mission of overseas service, comprising various specialties like infantry, airborne units, and artillery. By the time the Troupes were transferred to the Army the unit names changed from "Marine" to "Colonial" while the Fusiliers-Marins remained part of the French Navy. The Troupes Coloniale were still used in occasional amphibious landings but this was because of the ready availability of units normally based near naval embarkation ports or in colonial garrisons. In the World War I Gallipoli campaign in the Dardanelles, the Corps expéditionnaire d'Orient was more than two-thirds Troupes Coloniale including the 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th Colonial Infantry Regiments and Colonial Artillery. The Troupes Coloniales were however far more likely to see action in African or Asian land campaigns or, during both World Wars in France itself. This is an excellent original example of the French Épée- M1886/93/16 bayonet, complete with its steel scabbard & frog (see page 85 and page 06 item 209 of The Bayonet Book by Watts & White). These bayonets were made for use with the iconic Lebel rifle, these bayonets were widely issued to French forces during World War I and remained in service into World War II. This example marked to the Marine Troupes Coloniales / Fusiliers-Marins is in excellent condition, with a bright lightly blued 20 ¼” long cruciform steel blade free from rust or damage. The blade is straight and tapers to a pin sharp point and has French military inspection marks. The white metal hilt with steel muzzle ring and knurled lever release catch which works correctly are clean. The muzzle ring block is numbered 25530 and has the Naval anchor mark of the Troupes Coloniales / Fusiliers-Marins. The scabbard is original and retains a smooth finish with no dents—rare for pieces of this age. The throat of the scabbard has matching Naval anchor mark, French military inspection marks and has faint number ***56. The scabbard is fitted with original leather frog which has the correct large belt loop with retaining strap and steel buckle. The leather has a faint indistinct impressed manufacturer roundel. All leather and stitching are clean & intact. The price for this excellent rare to find French Marines Lebel bayonet set includes UK delivery. Sn 22890 (all other countries box 2)
£475.00
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