Grip has a solid brass pommel with working, integral locking lever. Rest of the grip is made of wood. Counterguard is made of iron and has the socket for the rifle barrel at top and a “blade breaker” curved quillon at bottom. The counterguard and metal surfaces on the handle have a coat of light surface rust. The blade is bright with scattered light mottling. Top blade flat is inscribed with maker and date which is “St. Etienne, June 1879.” Metal scabbard was originally blued but is now covered with spots of light surface rust. A lot of bluing remains under the rust.