Early American Homestead Yields a Sword Bayonet

[Lcb24kt]

Today I took advantage of some warm weather and detected the site of an early american homestead...I found a few musket balls and then towards the end of the day I got a signal on my F-75 that hit 81 with low confidence but it sounded like a deeper target so I decided to dig it. I dug down about 8 inches and found what I think is a sword bayonet. When I got home I started to do some online research and I think I found the exact one...French Model 1866 "Chassepot" Yataghan Sword Bayonet (images attached)... According to my research the makers mark is located on the blade but as you can see from the photos the blade is pretty corroded. I'll try to clean it up and hope a makers mark is still visible. Any suggestions on how to clean and preserve?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[Markomyt1]

Woot!
What a great hobby. Never know what you are going to find!

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Family Maps of Hinds County, Mississippi, Deluxe Edition - Grab it through Amazon!

[Diggin'PA]

For restoration and clean up if you didn't want to go the electrolysis route, the apple vinegar option as suggested works also, just takes longer

 

[ECS]

While doing more research I found a technical drawing for the sword bayonet and the rifle it would belong to

View attachment 920485

The makersmark on mine is located on the right side blade top,and is a "W".
On the hilt should be a serial number,ie,X 78796.
Great find