Measuring 36 3/4 inches overall, this fine sword is fitted with a 31 inch single edged double fuller blade, the lower half of which is etched with martial and patriotic motifs, the Clauberg mark on the left ricasso, and "IRON PROOF" on the spine. The hilt is fine brass with pierced-through and sculpted floral designs between the guard branches, a laurel wreath in the helmet pommel, a "screaming eagle" rear quillion, and a solid brass grip with wreath designs and wire wrapping. The scabbard is iron with brass fittings, showing 3-leaf clover motifs on multiple areas, scroll engraving, and the inscription "Presented to/Max C. Wood/by his Friends/L.A.S. E.Y.S. N.R.J. J.G.C./May 12th 1864." on the rear of the upper suspension band. While not documented, research indicates that Max Wood is one 1st Lieutenant Max C. Wood of Terre Haute, Indiana, an officer with the "Union Rifles", a volunteer militia unit in the Wabash Valley/Vigo County region. Established in 1862, the Rifles were later federalized and integrated into the 76th Indiana Infantry Regiment for anti-guerrilla work and steamship defense on the Ohio, and would later be re-activated to respond to Morgan's Raid in 1863. Vintage newspaper records note that Lieutenant Wood received a fine presentation sword and belt (belt not included) from "a few of his friends of the Terre Haute Railroad"; this may be the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad, established in 1847 as the Terre Haute & Richmond Railroad.