This officer's sword was adopted on August 28, 1860 acting upon the officer who would rarely if ever be called upon to wield a sword in battle. It was not mandatory until after the close of the Civil War, however in 1872, this sword became mandatory for all officers except medical staff, paymasters, mounted officers of infantry, cavalry & light artillery. The blade is straight and diamond shaped in cross section, and has etching on both sides. The grip is made of gilded brass, the scabbard is made of nickel plated steel with ornate gilded brass mounts consisting of an upper band with 2 rings and middle band with 1 ring and the tip with a drag. Overall length: 34 ½" Blade 28" Wide: 5/8" at the hilt