The reverse of the scabbard bears a very old 0.25" x 4.25" tag from the Harding Museum in Ohio which states, "16 - Artillery Cutlass carried by Member of 9th Ohio Battery during War of the Rebellion". Additionally the scabbard is inscribed on the reverse of the throat "N. K. Mc. D./ 9" highlighted with scrolls, with the precise significance of the N. K. Mc. D. being unknown. Blade generally smooth and gray with just some scattered salt and peppering, Ames/ 1856. Hilt perfect with nice patina. Scabbard somewhat wrinkled with finish crazed toward the tip but minimal flaking, with the effect of the "wrinkling" being to shorten it slightly. Drag has separated from the scabbard…An easy repair. Brass mounts perfect. A very rare Civil War sword with period ID.