On April 9, 1850, the US Army adopted a standard saber for all staff officers and for the field officers of infantry, artillery and riflemen. Like the foot officer's sword adopted the same day, it was based upon a French sword. It was used until 1872 when the lighter model 1860 became the regulation. The blade is slightly curved and is single edged with a false edge extending back nine inches from the point. It has a wide deep fuller which runs from ricasso to the begining of the false edge, and there is a narrow fuller above the wide fuller which is about five inches shorter than the wide fuller. The obverse side of the blade is decorated with etched designs which include floral sprays, military trophies, an American eagle and a large ribbon with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". The reverse side also has similar etching with "U S" instead of the eagle and the ribbon. The blade bears the words "IRON PROOF". The pommel and hilt are brass and the grip is wood covered with black leather and wire bound. The scabbard is metal and black with brass mounts. Length Overall: 38", Blade: 32" by 1 1/8inches wide at the hilt. Made by Windlass India.