The sword has a 32 inch lightly curved blade with scroll and patriotic etching, the W. Clauberg maker's mark on the left ricasso, and "IRON PROOF" etched on the spine. The guard has a panoply of arms theme and flanked by "U" and "S" and is formed on both the outside and the inside of the guard. The grip has a finely executed carved rendition of Columbia and floral borders. Columbia's bust is featured on the back of the pommel. The scabbard has floral pattern fittings and engraved oak leaf and acorn patterns on the body. Between the suspension bands it is inscribed with: "Presented to/S.A. Raymond/Student of Yale College in testimony of his being the most/skillful swordsman, and one of the most accomplished/gentlemen in his Class of [blank]/by Maj. Wm. Beatty." Samuel Atwater Raymond (1845-1915) of Cleveland, Ohio, is listed in the Class of 1870 and won second prize in Major William Beatty swordsmanship class in 1867 as a freshman. This was the highest placement from his graduating class. First prize went to Henry Warren Raymond (1847-1925), son of the co-founder of the New York Times, in the Class of 1869. The two do not appear to be close relatives. Beatty is listed as a former officer in the U.K. Royal Army until 1862 and as an instructor for officer's of the U.S. Army in 1862-65. Following the war, he taught a broadsword exercise class at Yale in 1866-1867. The prize swords were recorded in "The Yale Courant" on Jan. 9 and 30, 1867. After Yale, S.A. Raymond continued in his father's business, Raymond Lowe Company, along with his brother Henry until 1878. Their father drowned in a steamboat explosion in 1866. Raymond married Emma Stone in 1875. She was the niece of industrialist Amasa Stone, the richest man in Cleveland, and lived with her uncle's family after the loss of her parents. Through this marriage, Raymond became an adjutor for the multi-millionaire, and after Stone's death, Raymond administered the vast estate.

Fine overall with gray patina and some staining and light spotting on the blade, fairly distinct etching, crisp patterns and designs on the gilded hilt, distinct carving on the fine, attractive grip which has some minor age lines and shrinkage, some dents and scrapes on the scabbard, and generally only mild wear consistent with the sword's age. Overall, this is a very attractive and rare sword with an interesting history.