An elegant pre-Civil War knight head sword with a blade decorated for over half its length with beautifully etched and frosted panels that contain patriotic and foliate motifs. Scattered freckling throughout with bright finish and clean overall appearance. Beautiful gilded crossguard with languet that contains a federal eagle. Attractive engraved silver grip with engraved designs throughout its length. Gilded knight head pommel with 3-chain guard. Hilt retains nice amounts of its original gilding with patina to grip. The sword is complete with its original gilded scabbard that is marked by Ames on the reverse. Decorated mounts and drag. The scabbard retains nice amounts of its original gilding with scattered blemishes. The sword is engraved between the upper and middle mount and reads "Presented to / Major Geo. O. Brastow / 4th Regt. Lt. In. M.V.M. / With the / Respects of his numerous Friends / Augt. 21st 1854.” The Boston Evening Transcript covered the presentation of this sword at the “Pantheon Hall” as “A Splendid and Merited Testimonial.” Brastow (1811-1878) was an influential Massachusetts businessman “with an active interest in military affairs” and elected several times to the state legislature starting in 1849 and a state senator when given the sword. He was later a “Minute Man of ’61,” mobilizing in April as Captain, Co. I 5th Mass Volunteers, which served for three months and action at First Bull Run, losing 9 killed, 2 wounded, and 23 missing or captured. He mustered out 7/31/1862, and later served in the US Volunteers as Additional Paymaster with the rank of Major from August 1862 to March 1863. He served several more terms in the legislature, including as President of the Senate, and was Mayor of Somerville. His funeral was attended by several governors and generals. CONDITION: Good. Blade Length: 29 - 1/2" Overall Length: 37"