The War Department adopted the musicians’ sword at the same time as the non-commissioned officers’ sword, & they are very similar, the essential difference being that this sword does not have the NCO sword’s double counter-guard & its blade is 4" shorter. This sword measures 34½" in overall length with a blade 28" long x ¾" wide at the hilt. The obverse side of the ricasso is stamped US-AHK (Albert H. Kirkham, Army Inspector of musicians and NCO swords 1864 - 1865) 1864 in three lines. The reverse is stamped Made by / Ames Mfg Co/Chicopee in three  lines inside a scroll. Both the sword and scabbard are complete and all original. The leather scabbard is in very good condition with just the typical creases in the aged leather. The blade is excellent and quite bright. This must be described as an extremely handsome and desirable specimen.