This is a fine condition and early Civil War Staff & Field Officers Sword manufactured by Sauerbier, one of the most popular and unusually gifted makers of swords during the Civil War. This example has a fine condition etched blade with a bit of staining here and there, but with all of its etch visible. The hilt is wonderful with a near perfect leather grip and almost all of its bright gold gilt. The scabbard is one of the best I've ever seen on a Sauerbier, with almost all of its brown lacquer finish and all the gold to the mounts, the middle mount cast in the rare and desirable "Skull & Crossbones" motif. This is a great Sauerbier Officers Sword.