34" curved M1860 style blade mint with etched panels on both sides. The obverse panel features exquisitely hand engraved scroll / floral motifs flanking a beautiful spread wing eagle, while the reverse features a similar panel with the decoration flanking a large seraphed US. The hilt is the most unique portion of the saber with the pattern being unique to this and Kilpatrick's swords. Open work guard with laurel leaves and berries and an inboard scroll terminating in an eagle head. Presented on the side of the basket is a large seraphed US surrounded by scroll work. The guard utilizes a heavy scroll work quillon and scalloped decoration along the edge of the reverse counterguard. The interior of the guard displays deep scroll work engraving. The guard terminates at the pommel with a slot for the knot amidst heavy cast floral / scroll work motifs. Magnificent pommel with the face displaying a deep relief cast spread wing eagle clutching arrows. The cap surrounded with geometric and floral decoration. Gray sharkskin grip with twisted brass wire wrap. The entire hilt about perfect, totally untouched and retaining 95% of the original gold wash.

The all brass scabbard is inscribed between the two mounts as follows: Presented to / Captain William H. Post / by his friends / As a testimonial of their esteem / as a citizen, patriot and soldier / Dunkirk, N. Y. Feby 5th 1863". The scabbard mounts are also spectacular with the top mount being massive, and including a spread wing eagle surrounded by flag panoplies, perched on a saddle along with a pair of pistols at the sides and a bugle below, the bugle on a banner with tassels along the bottom. The heavy cast middle mount with deep relief scroll work, and scroll work and laurel leaves and berries on the lower mount/drag. Scabbard overall about perfect with absolutely no dents but retaining only traces of the original gilt indicating it was indeed carried/used by Post.

William H. Post enlisted 6/20/61 as a sergeant in the 72nd New York Volunteers, Excelsior Brigade. He was promoted to 2nd Lt. 5/10/62, 1st Lieut. 7/2/62 and Captain 1/7/63. He was severely wounded in the leg at Chancellorsville 5/3/63 and discharged 8/26/63 as a direct result of the wound. The sword being presented to him less than a month after his promotion to Captain, and it likely accompanied him on the field at Chancellorsville.

Accompanied by Post's military and pension records from the National Archives.

A beautiful sword, presented to a gallant officer and of a most desirable and extremely rare form.

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