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Originally Posted by fernando
Jom, does le Lebel also resemble the author's described design ?
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Further researching, in the novel, as I noted Wren does use the term sword bayonet numerous times through the chapter where the body of the commandante has the bayonet sticking out of his chest.
Conan Doyle's 'Sherlock Holmes' is mentioned several times, this did not appear until 1887.
The automobile noted as a "Roland' would have been a Rolland-Pillain produced from 1905 and later.
The consolidation of Algeria began around 1890 to about 1914.
In "French Foreign Legion" by Martin Windrow (1971) p.38, Plate C3,
A legionaire c. 1905 is depicted with white kepi, blue tailed coat, and indeed the rifle in use was the 1886 LEBEL with EPEE pattern bayonet.
From these elements, I would say that the depiction of the Legionaires in "Beau Geste" was most probably of that 1905 period (pre WWI) as suggested and the bayonet in the 1939 movie scene is indeed correct.
Interesting exercise !!! and thank you for the assist with reference to the "Rosalie" bayonet and the good close up in the 1939 movie!
Resolved.