The lightly curved 31 inch blade is etched with floral scroll and patriotic motifs along with "IRON PROOF" on the spine and "C. ROBY & CO/W. CHELMSFORD/MASS." on the left ricasso. The brass hilt has floral patterns and a shagreen, straight wire, and twisted wire wrapped grip. The black leather scabbard has brass fittings, and the upper band has "Capt. Wm. H. Palmer./Co F/10 W.V.Inf./Oct. 1861." on the obverse and the maker's mark on the reverse. The 10th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry was mustered in on October 14, 1861, at Camp Holton near Milwaukee for three years and mustered out on October 25, 1864, at Milwaukee. They were part of the Army of the Ohio until November 1862 when they became part of the Army of the Cumberland, and then in early 1863 they became part of the Army of the Ohio and Cumberland. They forced the Confederates out of Huntsville and also captured, Stevenson, Decatur, and Tuscumbia. They also successfully defended Paint Rock Bridge and fought Confederate guerrillas as the rear guard during the movement of troops to the Ohio. They came under heavy fire at Perryville, Kentucky, where they held their ground even after running out of ammunition. The regiment was also engaged at Stone's River, Hoover's Gap, and Chattanooga, and suffered serious losses at the latter, including eighteen killed, fifty-six wounded, and one hundred thirty-two missing (mainly prisoners). Despite their losses, they served at Missionary Ridge and also fought during the Atlanta Campaign. Many of the men still able to fight reenlisted and were transferred to the 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Captain William H. Palmer of Company F (Grant County Patriots) is identified as being commissioned on September 19, 1861, and resigned on September 3, 1863, due to disability.

Very good with bright blade with distinct etching, dark aged patina on the hilt, and mostly age and storage related wear. The scabbard is also fine and has some crackling of the leather, aged patina on the brass, and distinct inscription and markings. Overall, this is a very attractive and early Civil War officer's sword inscribed for an officer of the 10th Wisconsin Infantry serving in the western theater of the war.