The U.S. Pay Department sword regulations use the same description: "Small sword, gilt hilt and mountings, black leather scabbard." The sword pictured on this web page does not have the markings as described for the medical staff sword. It is marked, on the obverse, "N.P. Ames/Cutler/Springfield" in 3 lines as opposed to the 2 line marking on the medical staff sword as described. 

     There is no U.S. markings. The carbon darkened blade is profusely etched. On the obverse side there is a liberty cap surmounting 2 crossed American flags with cannon and a seated eagle in a panoply of stars under a ribbon with "Liberty" on it. Floral designs separate the etchings. On the reverse side there is standing indian with lifted tomahawk (Tecumseh?), a shield with a stars and stripes design under a raised liberty cap and another seated eagle etching along with much floral designs. 
 
 
 
 

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     The double-edged elliptical shaped blade is 30-5/16" in length. It is ¾" wide at the hilt and tapers evenly to it's point. The hilt, from the top of the blade nut to the bottom of the guard is 6-1/8" bringing the overall length to 36-7/16". The gripping area of the hilt is 4". The outside quillion to quillion measurement is 3-5/16". The shell counter guard is 3" across and extends outward, from the blade for 1½". 

     Please be aware that the 5 piece handle of this sword can be easily disassembled. There is a chance that the blade may have been reversed at one time. The obverse and reverse sides referred to in this write-up are based on the present assembly of the sword.

     The obverse side of a sword blade would be the side facing you, in an horizontal position, with the blade to your right and the hilt to your left. The side away from you would be the reverse.