38" OAL, 32" etched double fuller blade, showing patriotic and martial motifs on both sides, "IRON PROOF" on the spine, an American eagle on the right, and an incomplete "Philadelphia" merchant or maker marking on the left side. The guard is decorated with pierced-through "US" and floral designs, with a gold sword knot and wire wrapped canvas grips. The edge of the guard is inscribed "Capt. Jas. H. Barrett". Captain Barrett has not been positively identified, though records show a James H. Barrett (recorded as both a 2nd Lieutenant and a Captain, possibly due to brevet ranking) with the 37th Virginia Volunteer Infantry and a fatality of the Battle of Antietam (aka the Battle of Sharpsburg). Included with the sword is an iron scabbard with scroll engraved brass fittings.

Good overall. The blade shows scattered pitting, with some polishing/grinding marks concentrated on the right side near the tip and good detail in the etching, original gilt finish in the lower areas on the guard and a well aged patina on the visible brass, some wear and loose wire on the grip, and a mixed brown patina with shallow pitting on the scabbard.