Born in Pennsylvania, Samuel Sherer Elder first entered government service in 1853, as a private in Battery C, 2nd US Artillery, and by the time his five year term was up had earned the rank of First Sergeant. He then spent some time as a civilian before being commissioned a Lieutenant in the 1st US Artillery on March 23, 1861. By May, he had been promoted to First Lieutenant in the 4th Artillery, and as part of Light Battery K performed distinguished service at the Battle of Anteitam, credited in his Captain's report as instrumental in silencing a battery of enemy guns while displaying conduct under fire described as "cool and gallant in the extreme". Additional citations for gallantry at the Battle of Olustee and Drewry's Bluff would elevate him to the rank of brevet Lieutenant Colonel. As commander of Battery B, 1st Artillery, he was present at the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse, where his unit (specifically, the cannon on their left flank) fired what is credited as the final shot of the battle that saw the surrender of General Robert E. Lee. While Lee's surrender was not the formal end of the Civil War, it was the death knell of the Confederacy. At the end of the war, Elder reverted to his permanent rank of Captain, and continued on with the Army, having been made a Major in the 2nd U.S. Artillery by the time of his death on April 6, 1885. The cannon from his left flank at Appomattox currently rests next to the door of the United States Military Academy Library, next to the cannon that fired the first shot at Vicksburg. The sword measures 38 inches overall, with the Ames scroll marking on the left ricasso of the 32 inch single fuller blade and "US/A.D.K/1865" on the right. Brass hilt, with "A.D.K" on the right side of the knuckle bow, a helmet pommel, and a braided wire wrapped leather grip. With an iron sheath, inscribed "Lt. Col. S.S. Elder Battery B. 1st U.S. Art./Fired last shot before surrender at Appomattox court house/April 9, 1865" between the suspension bands.

Good, with a mixed gray patina on the steel and light edge dings and spotting. The brass has taken on a deep copper red color with some light handling marks, and some cracking and separation of the leather is visible on the grip. The sheath is good with a mixed brown patina and minor dents. An attractive piece of Civil War history linked to a moment that shaped the destiny of America.