This is a great looking sword! It is an original Civil War cavalry officer's saber. This is the regulation style that is referred to as the model 1840 "Heavy" pattern cavalry saber. It has the full-length blade that measures 35-1/4ths inches in length. At the base of the blade it has the maker's mark of the famous firm of Clauberg of Solingen, Germany. It has their trademark of the standing knight in armor. Clauberg made many of the very high quality officer's swords of the Civil War era. We know that this one is for an officer because of the etched blade and other traits. This is a definite step up from the regular enlistedman's pattern. On the front side of the blade it has the beautiful spread wing pattern eagle with the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" ribbon coming out of her beak. On the back it has the engraving panel that has the bold " US" lettering in the center. The etching is clear and displays quite well. At the base of the front of the blade it has the desirable New York retailer mark of the firm of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. They were high end retailers in New York City that were competing with firms like Tiffany & Company. The hand guard and backstrap on this sword is made of brass and is in fantastic shape. The brass of the pommel cap and hand guard have the floral patterns that denote the higher rank of officer. Each piece has a gorgeous golden color to the brass patina. On the handle of the sword it has the original grip intact. The grip still retains 95+% of the original sharkskin wrap. Holding the wrap in place is the original double twist copper wire. On the side of the back of the handguard it is beautifully engraved with the name of the soldier that carried it. It reads "PRESENTED TO LIEUT. W.S. STANLEY Jr. BY CO. A. 18th REGt N.G.S.N.Y.". When you look at the records, William S. Stanley enlisted at 25 years old as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 18th New York Infantry on July 8th 1863 at Rye, New York. He was mustered out on August 15th 1863 at Yonkers. It also states that he has subsequent service in the 13th New York Light Artillery. A printout of his service as well as that of the 18th New York will accompany the sword. The sword is accompanied by the original metal scabbard that is dent free. The scabbard is very nice and is complete with rings, mounts drag and throat intact. This is a just a fine original sword from all angles that displays well from a famous New York retailer.