This Beautiful pre-owned U.S. Navy Officers sword was hand made in colonial america. The base of the sword the blade carries the makers following inscription (J.T. McCarthy Charlestown Mass.). The 291/2 inch blade is very clearly etched on both sides, with fouled anchor, with the U.S.N. banner, Federal Eagle. The owners name is interestingly reverse etched on the actual shiny blade, not with a tool leaving the name un-etched and therefore bright steel, is that of (JAMES F. HOWARD.). The blade handle is wrapped in a light colored real manta ray skin with twisted wire rapped around to secure original manta ray skin. The handle has been castfrom brass alloy, is very solid there is absolutely no looseness in the structure, nor are there any scratches and if there had been a gold plating none appears be there now. The Pommel is very tight and scratchless clearly bearing the federal Eagle with Stars. There is no scabbard with this sword.