The GAR was the largest Union Veteran's Association and wore swords with their blue uniform. These swords were made after the style of the regulation "1860" Staff & Field Officers Sword that was worn until 1902. Here is a fine example of a rare GAR post owned sword. They were purchased and used by Post 86 of Northampton, Massachusetts for GAR functions and ceremonies. The hilt shows the entwined GAR logo on the clamshell guard. Also the insignia of the Cavalry, Infantry, and Navy are worked into the guard motif and artillery on the knuckle bow. The eagle on the pommel of the sword is the Federal eagle and it has the US shield of stars and stripes on its chest. The grip is wrapped in shark or ray skin with a brass wire wrap. 

The 28 7/8 inch long blade is beautifully etched and gold filled. On the obverse are crossed flags and a GAR surrounded by a floral design. It also is marked Ames Sword Co, Chicopee, Mass. On the reverse is panoply of arms and a floral design around 'Wm. L. Baker Post No 86' in script. The scabbard is plated with a decorative brass throat, drag and rings. The top ring is a double ring and the bottom ring is single. 

The Wm. L. Baker post is named after a 1st Lieut. who was born in Massachusetts, served in the U.S. Army 4th Light Artillery and was killed at the battle of Antietam.