French M1886 Lebel Bayonet Variant

Original era manufacture. Now this is an odd one, a full length cruciform blade with a hooked guard but without a lock mechanisim. The entire bayonet/sword was at one time completely encased in brown leather. Most of that covering remains except on the tip of the guard and scabbard. Why and to what purpose this was done is conjecture. Perhaps a self-defense baton, carried by an officer or NCO. The the blade is straight, scuffing to the leather surfaces as shown. We've never seen one like it.