This is a Foot Artillery Sword from the period of 1832 to about 1870. This sword is based upon the French M1831 Foot Artillery Sword which, in turn, was based upon the very early Roman gladius. The British also used a similar pattern called the "Land Transport Corps Privates's Hanger, Pattern 1855."

The hilt is of solid brass with the "Federal Eagle" cast into the pommel and "scales" or "feathers" cast into the grip.
These were carried by North and South during the Civil War and there are variations as a result.
There are quite a lot of the French M1831 Foot Artillery Swords around, so inspect these very closely for alterations and attempts to make them "Union" or "Confederate". The French were very good about profusely marking their weapons. Most of the French swords are marked with the arsenal manufactured, the month, and year. The main French arsenals (or armories) were located at Chatellerault and St. Etienne. Look for grinding marks in an attempt to remove these. The British swords are also profusely marked although they can occasionally be found with no markings at all.

West Point Cadet Name Searches

I have various information on West Point Cadets - graduates and non-graduates - from 1802 to 2002. If there is a name on your sword - and that name is registered as a West Point Cadet - I can very likely supply basic information on that individual. I charge $10 to search, non-refundable. If a record is found, I will forward that information on to you via e-mail; if no record is found, I will e-mail you to that effect. Follow this link to request a West Point Cadet Search.