Superb Quality and Condition American Militia Staff Officer's Sword with Unique Blade Decoration. 38" overall with 31 1/2" double edged blade with narrow fuller in the center for half its length, profusely decorated for 2/3 its length with remarkable engraved, fire blue and gilt highlighted, decoration. Both sides of the blade retain 90% of the original fire blue and gilt, with the balance of the blade clean and bright with just some minor staining. The obverse of the blade incorporates six five pointed stars, four of which act as spacers for a series of profusely floral decorated gilt ribands, bearing the names in order from the top of "WASHINGTON, LAFAYETTE, GREENE, WARREN, BROOKS" the reverse of the blade is similarly configured with the names, "ADAMS, JEFFERSON, MADISON, MONROE, J. Q. ADAMS". Absolutely the first example of this form of blade decoration we've ever seen. The fire blue terminates in a scroll like design and even the edges of the blade are gilded. The hilt is also most unusual. Cruciform guard with American shield langets, deep relief scroll decoration on both sides of the cross guard with a sunburst in the center. Sharkskin grip with decorative 3/8" brass ferrule at the base, perfect, and retains all of the original twisted and single strand brass wire wrap. Pistol grip style pommel with deep relief scroll work terminating in a multi pointed star. The hilt retains 98% of the original gilt and the original leather washer. The all brass scabbard retains 80% of the original gilt, with single double ring mount at the top and screw fastened throat. A couple of very minor dents near the bottom, which detract nothing, else about perfect. A magnificent American sword that possibly dates as early as 1830 with the end of the presidency of John Quincy Adams.