19th Century French Saber Inscription

[UnderMiner]

Bought this saber-bayonet at a garage sale recently. I did some research and discovered it's French, most likely an "m-71 Zouave" from the 1870's or an earlier type from the 1860's. Possibly a relic from the Franco-Prussian War or from some other combat. My research indicates that French Saber-bayonets saw only limited use in the early parts of WWI. Anyway there is a cursive inscription on the blade's spine near the handle. Any idea what it might mean? Perhaps a French soldier's name or a manufacturer? I think the middle word is "Lebon".

 

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[ARC]

Just sold one in an auction last year...
I think it brought $75...
I paid 5 at a yard sale.

 

[UnderMiner]

I paid $40, although I don't plan on selling it. Did yours have an inscription as well?

 

[ARC]

yes... 1860

 

[nhbenz]

Pretty sure the marking on the top of the blade is an arsenal mark, oftwn enough followed by a date.

 

[ARC]

You know...
I expected it to go for a little more...
just because of rarity of them now...
I mean a Frence bayonet from upper 1800's...
go figure.
They are becoming rarer underminer... keep in good condition.
And after thinking about it... mine may have been an 1862
I am bad at remembering dates on millitary stuff like that from Europe.
I was standing in a garage talking to someone and looked over and there it was...
sitting on a cluttered workbench...
I asked the guy "hey what is up with the sword" (which is what I thought it was at first)
I looked at it and did not see the inscription at first due to rust and corrosion (btw yours is in better shape)
He says... give me 5 bucks for it... get it outta my shop... I paid a dollar for it.
I said SOLD.

 

[DCMatt]

Can't make it out, but here is an excellent web page on this type of bayonet:

Nouvelle page 1

DCMatt

 

[nhbenz]

I believe the picture of the markings is upside down

 

[Scabby Jack]

As the prior poster said this is the Arsenal Maker inscription on the French Bayonet.