French M1866 ChassepotYataghan Sword/Bayonet (1868) / matching scabbard numbers

Description

One of today's finds is this
French M1866 Chassepot Yataghan (re-curve) Bayonet / Fighting Sword with 1868 manufacturing date.
This bayonet fits a French model 1866 Chassepot Rifled Infantry Musket. This weapon probably saw action in the Franco-Prussian war of July 12, 1870 - May 10, 1871. This knife measures 27 1/2 inches long with a blade range of 22 1/2 inches and is 28 inches long measured in the scabbard.
This unit has matching knife and scabbard numbers.
The regimental symbols and the inspectors poincons (marks) are legible. the spine of the blade is engraved Mre d Armes de Chatellerault       1868 ; please see photos and note that the month and day of manufacture are worn off but we know the particular arsenal and the year 1868. If I understand correctly many thousands of these units were made but many were melted down when the French military converted from the 1866 musket to an 1874 Gras bayonet for the corresponding bolt action Lebel rifle. It is a small miracle that any of these survived. I hope this unit finds its way into your collection and perhaps the best offer option will help with that. Thank you for looking.  Please note that there will be no international shipping with this unit. I will insure this parcel at my expense if we agree to a price.
I just had one of
these units pop-up on this site with a 5.00 price tag with no best offer option. The next move is all
yours.