The blade is 34 3/4 inches long and 1 inch wide and has "US/CEW/186[4]" inspection marks on the right ricasso and Ames marking on the left ricasso. The scabbard has the inspector initial "K" on the right side of the drag. The grip is wire wrapped leather. The hilt has a ridged guard and is inscribed "LIEUT-COL. JOHN LOFLAND/33rd IOWA INF./1862-'66" in stippled letters. It has a steel scabbard with single suspension ring. Lieutenant Colonel Lofland is listed in the official history of the 33rd Iowa Infantry as recruiting for the unit, drumming up better arms, and as promoted from captain to lieutenant colonel within Company D on April 23, 1864. They saw action in the defense of Helena, the Battle of Jenkins Ferry, and Battle of Spanish Fort (all in Arkansas).

Fine with a mix of bright surfaces, gray patina, and mild pitting along the crisp original bright polished blade, attractively aged patina on the brass, some flaking and moderate handling wear on the fine leather, and mostly smooth brown patina along the scabbard along with some oxidation and light pitting.