M1892 French Berthier

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	Weapon: M1892 French Berthier Type: Sword Bayonet Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1892 Overall Length (mm): 520.0 Overall Length (in): 20.47 Weight (kg): 0.70 Weight (pounds): 1.54

The French M1892 Berthier bayonet was adopted for use with the Berthier Mle 1892 carbine, a compact rifle issued to cavalry, artillery, and colonial troops. It featured a slender, cruciform blade measuring approximately 40 cm (15.7 in), optimized for thrusting rather than cutting. The bayonet's hilt was fitted with a steel crossguard and a hooked quillon in its early pattern, though later models eliminated the quillon for simplicity. With its compact and lightweight design, the M1892 was well-suited to the shorter Berthier carbines, which required a bayonet that would not overly extend the rifle's balance.

Production of the M1892 bayonet began in the early 1890s and continued into the early 20th century, with large numbers manufactured by French state arsenals such as Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne. As the Berthier carbine was widely issued to mounted and support troops, the bayonet saw widespread distribution across the French Army. While less ornate than its predecessor, the M1866 Chassepot bayonet, the M1892 was far more practical, reflecting the growing shift toward utilitarian military equipment in the industrial age.

The M1892 Berthier bayonet remained in service through World War I and into the interwar years, often seen on the frontlines with colonial forces and cavalry units. It was gradually replaced by newer designs as rifles modernized, though many remained in circulation well into World War II, especially among reserve and occupation troops. Today, the M1892 is remembered as a durable and functional bayonet that represented France's adaptation to modern warfare, and it is a sought-after collectible due to its association with the Berthier carbines and colonial campaigns.