Eagle pommel militia officer's sword with brass scabbard c. 1840-1860. The sword has a 30 1/2 inch straight double edged blade with single fuller. The blade is bright etched on the obverse with a spread eagle with "E. PlURIBUS/UNUM" on a ribbon and a panoply of arms on the reverse. The central etchings are highlighted with dry needle engraving and surrounded by etched floral sprays. The gold plated sword hilt has a unique, very attractive cast brass eagle and shield pommel, reeded ivory grip, trefoil cross guards, rectangular quillon blocks with a cast tudor rose in the center and languets with relief cast eagles and scroll borders. The gold-plated brass scabbard has two suspension bands with three rings and a frog stud. The upper third of the scabbard has open floral engraving surrounding a spread eagle and shield between the suspension bands. The floral engraving is continued near the tip of the scabbard.

Good. The blade is bright and the engraving shows wear. There is a professionally executed period reattached repair about six inches from the point. The tip of the blade has light pitting and there are a number of small nicks in the edges. The hilt has crisp casting and the brass has an attractive, untouched patina. The ivory grip is in very good condition with some age discoloration and a several minor hairline cracks. The chain guard is missing. The scabbard has a mellow patina with traces of the original gilt finish. The engraved decorations are sharp. There are a number of shallow dents in the scabbard between the lower band and the tip.