The scabbard is inscribed "Presented to/ LT. COL. JOHN CLARK/by officers serving under his command/3rd Reg P.R.V.C/1862" on the upper band. John C. Clark (1822-1872) was a construction contractor working on railroads and other public works before the war and was originally served as captain of Company E of the 3rd Pennsylvania Reserves (32nd Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry) on May 31, 1861. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 10, 1862, for meritorious service in the Seven Days Battles. The unit was initially commanded by Colonel Horatio G. Sickel. When Sickel was granted leave (ironically for being sick), Clark took over the command and led them at the Second Battle of Bull Run (Second Mansasas) and Antietam. At Antietam, he was wounded in the hand by an exploding shell but remained in the fight. After the Battle of Fredericksburg, Clark was assigned for special duty in the Engineer Corps and was put in charge of the Acquia & Fredericksburg Railroad and then sent to Nashville. He mustered out with the rest of his regiment on June 17, 1864. After the war he continued his work as a railroad and public works contractor, served on the City Council of Philadelphia, and was a member and speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The sword has a 31 1/4 inch straight blade with gilded scroll, martial, and patriotic etching, including "ONWARD/TO/VICTORY" on the left. The hilt has an eagle head finial with red gemstone eyes, pierced "US" and floral pattern guard, and ornate brass grip. The scabbard is black japanned iron with engraved brass fittings.

Very good with aged patina on the brass, most of the black finish remaining on the scabbard body, some denting of the guard, distinct etching with patches of original gilding, minor edge wear, and some light pitting.