The development of the sword bayonet started in the 18th century, with increasing popularity until the start of the 20th century. The advantage of the sword bayonet was, that with its increased range, it could be used for both slashing and stabbing, and also as a sword or sabre. The biggest disadvantage was, that with its heavy weight and length, it made it hard to shot and aim the mounted gun. And also in trench wars the length was impractical.
The Yataghan bayonet is a version of the sword bayonet that gained increased popularity from 1840 until the end of the century. The Yataghan bayonet is easily identified by its double bent blade. First the blade bends away from the aiming line, then it bends back at the end of the blade, directing the tip to point in the direction of the target. It is not certain why this design got so popular, but the design makes the muzzle easier accessible for loading and cleaning.
Yataghan style bayonet, possibly reworked 1914 Egyptian.
A common Yataghan style bayonet is the French Model 1866 “Chassepot” bayonet. In Norway this design was used in then M/1851 bayonet and in M/1859 style bayonets.
M/1851 bayonet
