Bayonet: Lebel "Rosalie" 1886 model

Bayonet: Lebel "Rosalie" 1886 model

This bayonet was collected in France during WWII by a U.S. serviceman. It predated WWII but was used by a French soldier during the war. This Lebel "Rosalie" 1886 bayonet was probably first used during WWI and it was called the "Rosalie" by French troops after a popular song of that era. Many of these bayonets were manufactured during WWI in the United States by the Remington Arms Company because the conflict made it difficult for the French to supply their troops. These bayonets were styled after fencing swords and were brought back into use during WWII as the French called upon all their resources to resist the Nazi invasion. This bayonet measures twenty-five inches long.

Possibly Remington Arms in New York

Martin Braley, <em>Bayonets: An Illustrated History</em>. Iola, Wisconsin, kp books, 2004.

Manufactured before 1917. Used in WWII between 1940 and 1945.

Patricia Canas and Eric Simon

Image: CSUSM History Department