French Model 1845/55 Infantry Officers Sword, manufactured between 1845 and 1937, this example made by Manufacture nationale d'armes de Chatellerault and issued in 1916. Blade length 30.5 in., 1.125 inches wide, and measures 30.5 inches from shoulder to point. Its single-edged blade becomes double-edged approximately five inches from the point and could be manufactured plain or highly engraved. The grip is wood, covered with black leather, and bound with brass wire. The hand guard consists of a single brass bar, widening at the base and ending in a downward-shaped quillion. The scabbard is made of iron, with a single mount and a ring for suspension. The scabbard and sword are matched, number '57474', with the guard bearing two proof or acceptance marks. Both sword and scabbard are in very fine condition, blade is beautiful, the scabbard bearing only a tiny ding on the outside near the bottom and very light surface corrosion. From the jungles of Indochina to the burning sands of the Sahara, to the bloody trenches of the First World War this sword served France and her empire for almost 100 years.