It appears to be a variation of the 1869 Werder Yataghan bayonet with the end cut down.
At least the blade seems to be that.
If the handle is original its some variation I'm unfamiliar with, presumably for Artillery (or possibly a bandsman?)
Edit: There were plenty of variations within these bayonets/swords, I wonder if this was made as-is even with the short nose? Does it look recently cut back? The curve shows the blank was intended to be the standard Yataghan, but it would be an effective stabber at this length, but Its a strange blade to see in a handle which you expect a double edged 'gladius' style blade, but there were other types. The pioneer reg's had some single edged with saw backs.
Its an interesting piece.
Last edited by Atlantia; 8th November 2008 at 01:09 AM.
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