The sword is a classic Ames Manufacturing Co. U.S. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's sword with a 32 1/4 inch blade with wide fuller, flat spine, patriotic and martial etching along with scrollwork, the Ames marking etched above the right ricasso, and a gilt brass hilt with floral scroll and "US" designs, and a wire wrapped shagreen grip. The blued steel scabbard has gilt brass fittings, and the upper band is inscribed "Presented/To/L. M. Geo. W. Forrest./11th Regt Mass V./by his/Boston Friends." As laid out in the included documentation from Curator Ernest G. Wells of the Grand Army Memorial, George W. Forrest enlisted as a private in D Company of the 11th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Boston Volunteers) on October 13, 1861. Prior to enlisting he was a 29 year old publisher. He received a commission as second lieutenant on August 30, 1862, and was promoted to first lieutenant on December 9, 1862. When he was dismissed on April 30, 1864, he was the regimental quartermaster. Prior to his enlistment, the regiment fought at the First Battle of Bull Run. When he enlisted, they were focused on building fortifications to protect Washington, D.C. They fought during the Peninsular Campaign in 1862 along with the Second Battle of Bull Run and Fredericksburg. In 1863, the unit suffered significant casualties during the Battle of Chancellorsville and only fielded 286 men at the Battle of Gettysburg where it lost another 23 killed, 96 wounded, and 10 missing.

Fine with the slightly darkened blade exhibiting clearly legible etching and mottled gray patina, traces of original gilt finish, aged patina on the brass, most of the original finish on the scabbard body, vertical crack in the grip, distinct presentation totally original inscription, and minor age and storage wear.