Measuring 41 inches overall, with a 35 1/4 inch double fuller blade with etched decoration, "IRON PROOF" on the spine, the Horstmann address on the right side, and a small Weyersberg "king's head" proof on the right ricasso. The brass guard and pommel are decorated with laurel patterns, with a wire wrapped sharkskin grip. An iron scabbard is included, with a set of rawhide hangers and the inscription "Robt E. Coxe/U.S.A." on the reverse between the throat and upper suspension band. The included information is a combination of photocopied book excerpts and copies of National Archives records. According to the info, Robert Coxe was born in 1850 near Montgomery, Alabama, relocating to Louisville, Kentucky in his youth, from which he was appointed to West Point via exam at 16. Graduating in the class of 1870, Coxe (aka "Snapper") was noted as well loved by his classmates, though somewhat reckless and prone to demerit; he was ranked #34 of a 58-man class. Immediately after graduation he was assigned to the 8th Cavalry stationed at Fort Selden, New Mexico. During this time he met his first wife, was wed in 1872, and resigned his commission in 1874 to care for her when she fell ill. Sticking with civilian life after her passing in 1875, he would work as a merchant, later remarrying, and passing on c.1892-1893 (cause listed as "ataxia" in some documents, "paralysis of the heart" in others; his 2nd wife attempted to claim a widow's pension, arguing that the ailment was caused by his field service).

Fine. The blade shows a mixed gray patina, with good detail in the etching and sharpening along the edge. An attractively aged antique patina shows on the brass, and the scabbard shows a deep brown color and a number of dents.