I have three recent additions to my bayonet collection to report. Fictitious internet points for anyone who can identify them!
The first is rather beautiful in the hand, is dated 1874, and is French. The unusual blade shape is based upon the yataghan style of sword. It was quite an effective design as a sword blade but not so great as a bayonet - however, everyone looked at the new design and thought the French knew what they were doing so it was copied a lot. It didn't help them much during the Franco-Prussian War.
Dat recurve.
The French really knew how to mark their bayonets. Instead of just the stamped serial number, this type has a lovely cursive description. It tells us that it was manufactured in St. Etienne in the October of 1874. I have a scabbard for this with matching serial number.
The second is sans-scabbard and not in great nick, but still, it's a pattern I don't have and is something to put away for future sale, at the very least. The grips are cracked and the blade is slightly wobbly. I don't fancy taking it apart, but might have a go at some point. The maker was producing these from 1937-1941, I think. Sadly there are no other markings.
The third is pretty much as modern as I get. It's interesting though as it's one of the first (if not
the first) multi-use bayonets to enter service. The blade and scabbard combine to make a wire cutter, the 'Bakelite' sections are non-conductive to electricity, the blade has a saw, and the pommel has been designed for use as a hammer. The clipped point aids stabbing, I think. Overall, it's a cheap and ugly (but vicious) little bayonet.