Other than the edged weapons of Tiffany, those manufactured by Henry Sauerbier of Newark, New Jersey during the Civil War are my favorites, and most astute collectors and experienced authorities on swords of this period generally agree with me. The reasoning is simple. Sauerbier was perhaps the only manufacturer that realized the importance of a presentation sword, other than Tiffany. A presentation sword was special, it had meaning. He didn't want to present simple boiler-plate specimens to buyers and presenters, so he changed the game in a master stroke of marketing by changing things up. I wouldn't doubt that his brainstorming was the result of a trip to Tiffany or perhaps Schuyler, Hartley and Graham in New York and viewing their variety of product that spurred his creativity and competitive nature. Different hilt design and grip combinations of leather, sharkskin and pewter often embellished with semi-precious stones or glass, mother-of-pearl (often carved in patriotic motifs) pewter or other media in the form of inlayed medallions were the order of the day in combination with a mix of ring-mounts and drags, also inlayed. Blade widths, thickness and lengths with custom etching were varied, as were the scabbards. This example is no exception to the creativity of Sauerbier. Its hilt and mounts retain 90% original gold gilt, the grip is pewter and includes a carved pewter inlay of a Federal Shield. The two most unusual features are its deeply etched scabbard with dynamic "U.S." motif and a fierce patriotic eagle, and an etched blade with military characters (one on horseback) with the surface retaining almost all of what appears to be original tin plate. I've never seen another like it. If you wish to learn more about Henry Sauerbier and his products, I recommend the books of my good friend John Thillmann. His works on Civil War and Officers swords and sabers can be found on the internet. Although out-of-print, they are a must for the sword enthusiast and are occasionally available from fine book stores.