Measuring 41 inches overall, the sword follows the general pattern for the U.S. 1840 heavy cavalry sword, with a 35 1/4 inch curved double fuller blade, bearing the Sheble address on the left side of the ricasso, etched scroll and floral decoration, "N.P.M." on the left side of the blade and "WILSONS ZOUAVES". "N.P.M." has not been positively identified. Wilson's Zouaves, officially the 6th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, was organized by William "Billy" Wilson, a New York City real estate agent, Democratic alderman, and associate of the Tammany Hall political machine. The 6th had a reputation as a rough and tough outfit, to the point where it was rumored that a potential volunteer would need to prove he had served time in jail before being accepted. Leaving New York in June of 1861, the 6th saw action at the Battle of Santa Rosa Island, occupied Baton Rouge, laid siege to Port Hudson, and participated in the battles of Irish Bend and Vermillion Bayou, among other engagements. The unit closed out it's two-year contract in June of 1863, mustering out back in New York City. Wilson would later lead the 69th New York Infantry, a component of the "Irish Brigade", and made a Brevet Brigadier General of Volunteers following the close of the war. The guard is of brass construction, with a wire wrapped leather grip, and the scabbard is nickel finished iron.

Fine, with some light spotting on the very fine blade, exceptional detail in the etching, some light wear on the hilt, and patches of dark corrosion mixed with bright metal on the fine scabbard.