US Civil War Militia or staff officer Sword

US Civil War Militia or staff officer Sword. Circa 1840-1860s. Pommel is cast in the form of a perched eagle with an American shield on its chest, holding one end of the knuckleguard chain in its beak. Bone grip in oval in cross section, carved with checkering, grooves, and palmette at base. Crossguard is flat with shell quillon terminals, faced front and back with a deeply cast and chased spread-winged eagle peering through a wreath. Knuckleguard chain is secured on the end of one shell through an integral loop. Blade is straight, double-edged and evenly tapering to steeper spear point. A narrow central fuller runs about 15" out from the guard with a frosted etched panel terminating in leaves just beyond it. Obverse etching has a petal at bottom, crossed cannon with crossed flags above with a second display of arms, two lances with pennons entwined with vines and a superimposed liberty cap, with floral scrolls above and below. The reverse has the same sequence of motifs, but with a shield superimposed on the two lances rather than a liberty cap. Scabbbard has two upper rings and stud, along with middle ring. Engraved with floral motifs that include two diamonds among the leaves. CONDITION: Blade is bright with vivid etching on thin frosting. Edge and point are good. Grip is good with no checks or cracks. Brass hilt shows gilt in recessed areas. Scabbard has about 70, bright gilt with rubbing on the reverse. Blade Length: 30 - 1/4" 31"Overall Length: 36"