The 32 inch long by 1 inch wide blade is Damascus steel with gilt backgrounds on the etching which includes martial designs on both sides, "We never surrender" and "US" on the right, "IRON PROOF" and floral designs down the spine, and "US" and an eagle with an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner on the left. The left ricasso has a "W./CLAUBERG/SOLINGEN" maker's mark. The hilt is cast with "US" and floral designs and has a silver grip. The nickel-silver scabbard has scroll engraving and the inscription "A token of respect from/Co. B. 8th Iowa Cavalry/to their/Capt. W.H. Evans" on the right, two brass rope style suspension rings, silver locket with engraved chevron patterns, and acanthus pattern brass tip. Research binders are included which contain both detailed histories of Evans and his units, including copies of primary sources such as muster rolls, medical records, letters, etc. The documents indicate William H. Evans was a resident of Eddyville and originally from Ohio. He first served as a second corporal in Company I of the 7th Iowa Volunteer Infantry at the age of 22, was promoted to first corporal on October 18, 1861, and was captured and exchanged as a wounded prisoner on November 7, 1861, at the Battle of Belmont (discussed in the included letters as a bullet wound that passed through both of his legs and fractured his right femur). He served as the captain of the 18th Iowa Volunteer Infantry starting in July 7, 1862, and resigned on February 27, 1863, due to ill health. He is reported to have returned to shoe making in Eddyville and later enrolled in the 8th Iowa Volunteer Cavalry less than six months later on June 6, 1863. The 8th Iowa Cavalry mustered in across the river from our facilities in Davenport, Iowa, in September 1863. They were served in Tennessee, Military Division Mississippi, and Department of Georgia. He was again wounded on Sept. 3, 1864, at Campbellsville, Tennessee. He resigned March 9, 1865, due to ill health.

Very fine with beautiful Damascus patterns, crisp etching nearly all of the original gilt finish, and some slight spotting on the exceptional blade; attractive aged patina on the silver grip, slight casting pits in the period replated scabbard and original hilt, and minor overall wear consistent with careful handling and storage. This is a truly exceptional Civil War presentation sword.