The 1850 Union Staff and Field Officer Sword is fitted with a blade of 1055 high carbon steel; the blade is embossed on both sides of the blade with US military design. The hilt is of brass and the leather-wrapped grip is finished with spiraled bands of brass. The scabbard is of blued steel and brass fittings and brass hanging rings. The M1850 Army Staff and Field Officers Sword was used in 1850 – 1872; it would be wielded by Company and Staff Officers, Aides-de-Camp, and Field Officers of the Infantry and Artillery. Heavily inspired by earlier French sabers, the Model 1850 has a shorter blade than a cavalry saber, making it well-suited to be used by officers on foot. This was not the only sword authorized for use by these officers, but it was by far the most popular.