CIVIL WAR, MODEL 1850 MILITIA NCO SWORD WITH EAGLE CROSS GUARD This design is characteristic of the period between the peak of the eagle-head style (1820s) and the standardized M1850 patterns. Many swords of this general type are broadly classified as Higher-Grade Militia NCO swords from the 1830-1850 period. This hilt style?with its fluted bone or ivory grip and ornate eagle pommel and guard?is a premium version of non-regulation patterns favored by musicians and NCOs in state militias before the Civil War. At the outbreak of the Civil War, the forces of the North and South were both comprised primarily of the state militias. This fine example could have served either side. Pommel: Features a distinct spread winged Federal Eagle head, facing right (viewer's left), with its wings and details visible. The center of the eagle's chest depicts a shield. Grip (Handle): A one-piece, off-white, vertically fluted grip with no damage. The grip is a single piece of fluted material, likely bone or possibly ivory. Bone/ivory grips (often fluted or ribbed) were a common feature on high-grade, privately purchased militia and officer's swords of this time, as opposed to the leather or sharkskin grips on standard-issue swords. The leather washer remains in place under the guard. Guard (Quillon/Cross-guard): A straight cross-guard featuring a highly detailed, cast brass design. The central area depicts a spread-winged eagle or other military/patriotic motifs surrounded by foliage or laurel leaves. This level of detail in the guard suggests a non-regulation, private-purchase sword, which was common in state militias. Blade: Condition of this 28-inch-long blade example is good, with the expected wear and patina of age and use. The blade is solid, with age spots but no major rust or pitting. The blade is unsharpened, no nicks, and has some light age spots scattered throughout. Double edged blade with no damage or nicks. The tip of the blade is not damaged and retains its original shape. This blade is not maker marked. Probably German made by Abraham Kuller Zu Wald, as he was a Solingen sword maker active from 1847 to 1880. There are a few minor scattered blemishes which could be buffed out. Blade length is 28?. Overall length with scabbard is 29.5?. Scabbard: This scabbard is wrapped in black leather with a few minor nicks. Brass mountings are crisp and intact. The brass fittings are very nice, and display patina due to age and use. The screw that retains the scabbard throat is intact. A nice solid example of a pre-Civil War Militia, Non Commissioned Officers, Militia sword. This will shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS) with tracking and full insurance. International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080, or ACI Express Shipping. No buying agents such as Intercommerce America. No international buyers, no freight forwarding companies, no gift addresses, no non U.S. citizen buyers, and no non U.S. based forms of payment. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you. We do ship to APO and FPO addresses.