The item is a US Model 1840 Army Non-Commissioned Officer's or Musician's sword. This model was adopted in 1840 and carried by sergeants during the Mexican War and the Civil War. The sword was produced by various manufacturers, including the Ames Manufacturing Company and Emerson Silver. It features a brass hilt and pommel, and a leather-wrapped grip, sometimes with wire wrapping. The scabbard is typically leather-wrapped with brass mounts (chape and locket). The blade is narrow and was designed as a compromise between cutting and thrusting.