This was the standard French Infantry Officer's Sword in use from 1855 into the 1880s; it was replaced by the French Model 1882. The Model 1845/55 is basically the same as the French Model 1845 but with the modification(s) adopted in 1855; this included a re-shape of the blade (see image below) and a change from the standard leather scabbard body to a metal scabbard body.

It has a brass hilt with a leather grip; this is bound by a "twisted-brass" wire wrap.

On French swords, the ricasso is generally stamped with the mark of the Director, the Controller and the Reviser of the arsenal; this is especially true with swords manufactured at the Klingenthal arsenal in France. On trooper swords these marks are found on the guard as well.