The 32 1/4 inch lightly curved blade has patriotic and martial etching, and the Clauberg maker's mark is on the left ricasso. The gilt brass hilt includes a eagle head quillon with inlaid stone eyes and silvered brass grip. The iron scabbard has engraved brass mounts inscribed with "Lieut/J.B. Johnson/Co E 6th Regt/Wis Vol I" on the upper band, "from/his friends of/Fond du Lac/Wis" on the lower band, and "Oct 28th/1862" on the drag. 1st Lieutenant Jerome B. Johnson of Co. E of the 6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry was presented this sword by his home town of Fond du Lac on October 28th, 1862. He enlisted on May 10, 1861, as a sergeant and was promoted to 2nd lieutenant on September 18, 1861, and then 1st lieutenant on September 18, 1862. The 6th Regiment was part of the famous Iron Brigade. Colonels Lysander Cutler and Edward S. Bragg of the 6th later became the brigadier generals that led the Iron Brigade. Johnson is listed in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 16, 1862, as in the Seminary Hospital with a wound to the thigh. "The History of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin" from 1880 indicates "Jerome B. Johnson, now Superintendent of Mails at Milwaukee, was shot through the groin at Bull Run, and lay six days upon the field, without food or attendance. He lived, and, in October, 1862, was able to return to Fond du Lac. But he was never able to return to his regiment." Similar statements are made in other Wisconsin history books in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Lieutenant Colonel Edward S. Bragg's report of September 3, 1862, indicates he was wounded and taken prisoner at the engagement near Gainesville where the regiment had 504 men engaged and suffered 3 officers wounded, 61 enlisted men wounded, 8 killed, and 3 missing. His obituaries indicated Johnson was born in Lockport, New York, on January 3, 1832, worked in the Postal Service until c. 1910, and died at the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee on January 29, 1912.

Very good with some original gilt finish and otherwise aged patina on the brass hilt and mounts, mostly gray and brown patina on the scabbard body and blade, visible etching, and mild overall wear mostly from age and storage including some dents and oxidation. The inscriptions are distinct.