Measuring 38 inches overall, with a 32 inch double fuller blade, decorated on each side with etched patriotic and martial motifs, with "G.W.Simmons/& Bro;/Phila:Pa" on the right ricasso, "IRON PROOF" on the spine, and the Clauberg maker's mark on the left. The hilt is fine gilt sculpted brass, with sharp details in the decoration, a set of red stone eyes on the "screaming eagle" rear quillion, and a silver plated brass grip. The sheath is iron construction, with elaborate raised scrollwork on the suspension bands, interwoven laurel designs on the tip, and an inscription between the bands. The inscription has some lost detail, with "PRESENTED/To Wm. B. Allen from his friends/(illegible)" visible; consignor notes attribute the final line as "of Union Mills May 6th 1863", and further attributes Allen as Captain William Allen of the 46th Missouri Infantry. The 46th, formed in August of 1864, was spread in detachments through the Ozarks, with operations on both sides of the Missouri/Alabama border. The Ozarks were generally unsuitable for large scale military operations but ideal for guerilla forces and raiders; few large scale battles took place in the region, but numerous regimental or smaller unit clashes occurred. Union Mills was a small town on the Missouri side of the Missouri/Kansas border, another area of heavy paramilitary activity between pro-union and pro-secession forces predating the Civil War itself.

Very fine. The exceptional blade shows some mild spotting, with a well aged patina on the brass and some light handling marks overall. The grip maintains about half of the well aged silver. The scabbard shows a few dents, and a set of replacement screws are on the suspension bands.