This is a very good Martially marked Staff & Field Officers Sword by Ames Manufacturing Company. It is dated 1862 and inspected on its ricasso. It retains about 25% gold gilt to the hilt and all the original sharkskin grip-wrap anchored with what appears to be original, silver-plated brass wire rather than plain brass, possibly a slightly special feature to dress up the hilt. It appears to be un-altered and original. The blade shows use and weathering, but retains most all of its original etching with no frosty etching left. The scabbard mounts show 30 - 50% original gold gilt and the scabbard body shows 90% original shiny blue mixing with patina and some scattered rust that could, and should be carefully cleaned. A very good example of a rather rare sword as this was government inspected and undoubtedly issued to a Civil War Union Officer.