Measuring 37 inches overall, with a 31 1/2 inch double fuller blade, decorated on each side with etched and gold washed patriotic motifs, and the left side etched "JAMES P. FITCH/NEW-YORK" at the bottom of the fuller and the Clauberg trademark on the ricasso. The hilt is of cast brass construction, with fine scrollwork and "US" between the branches and a cast German silver grip. The scabbard is iron construction, with a repaired two-piece tip and engraved suspension bands. The upper suspension band is inscribed "C.W.E." on the reverse side. Notes from the consignor attribute C.W.E. as Charles W. Ewing. A lawyer in civilian life, Ewing was commissioned a Captain in the 13th Infantry in May 1861 and saw action at the Siege of Vicksburg (suffering wounds in the course of planting a battalion flag on the Confederate parapet), Jackson, Colliersville, Missionary Ridge, and the Atlanta Campaign. He spent much of the war subordinate to William Tecumseh Sherman; having lost his father at a young age, Sherman was taken in by the Ewing family, later marrying Ewing's sister. Ewing was on Sherman's staff during the March to the Sea, Sherman's personal scorched earth campaign from Atlanta to Savannah before proceeding up through the Carolinas. Ewing ended his military service in 1867, having become a permanent Captain and brevet Colonel in the Regular Army and a permanent Brigadier General with the Volunteers. In his post-war life, he was appointed Catholic Commissioner for Indian Missions, a leadership role in the newly established Catholic Indian Bureau; in this role he was recognized by Pope Pius IX via being made a Knight in the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Very good. The blade is polished bright, some pitting at the tip which may have been sharpened/reshaped, along with some mild spotting and wear. The hilt shows a well-aged patina and some dents on the grip. The scabbard has turned a mixed, rough brown and has the aforementioned tip repair.