I have a bayonet with this inscription on it: "Impale de Mestrig (or Mutrig) Tanvier 1868" Any idea what this could be? Thanks Bob

Question

I'm trying to determine what an inscription says on a bayonet I own. Bob Wucher

Thank you so very much for the update. I truly appreciate it. - LateToDinner, Aug 24, 2010

Answer 1

This is a guess:

Nothing much to do with Spanish, more likely Belgium or French Bayonet.

Have you already viewed any of the bayonet collector sites?

Here is a link

Belgium 1868

Sorry, all I can find. I hope this looks close and at least sends you in the right direction.

I think you forgot to include your guess, Late. ;) - MacFadden, Aug 22, 2010

Working up to it ... wait for it ... - LateToDinner, Aug 22, 2010

i am waiting for the links here lol - 00b6f46c, Aug 22, 2010

Oh, sorry. Carry on! - MacFadden, Aug 22, 2010

Now, I've lost the other one. Patience ... patience. - LateToDinner, Aug 22, 2010

Sorry for confusing you late - 00b6f46c, Aug 22, 2010

Just kidding, the lead for Mutrig turned out to be a last name at a church function pdf. - LateToDinner, Aug 22, 2010

now That's funny, thank you ! - margaretbl, Aug 22, 2010

sorry late, it did not sound like a joke to me....I know you were joking, but this is a newbie and does not know that - 00494d19, Aug 23, 2010

Corrections accepted, and I still hope it helps him on his quest, even if only the slightest bit! - LateToDinner, Aug 23, 2010

Thanks for the help. It is a French bayonet, from the Mutzig armory, made in January (Janvier), 1868 and the picture nails it. - kwucher, Aug 24, 2010

You are very welcome, it was an entertaining search. - LateToDinner, Aug 26, 2010

I have just inherited the same bayonet. Do you have any idea what it is worth? - pattysilva, Apr 24, 2013

Answer 2

Impale de Mestrig (or Mutrig) Tanvier 1868"

latin IMPALE; to pierce through with means impaled

But .... IT IS heraldry to join (two coats of arms) one by side on one shield

I think the inscription is Latin (as all the other military traditions)... and it is not TANVIER...but TANGIER or TANGER in French and/or Spanish... seek AROUND 1868 battles in TANGIER MOROCCO.... Spain and France jurisdiction of Morocco around those times until they got the independence..... Lots of European countries had interest on those times in that area..... just a thought

Answer 3

During the Franco-Prussion War, two categories of bayonets were made. Those made in the period Deuxieme Empire are abbreviated 'MTE Impale De', those after the fall of Napoleon II 'Mte d'Armes De'.

Hope it helps.