38 in. overall length with a 30 3/4 in. single-edged spear point blade with a 3/4 x 18 1/2 in. fuller. Blade etched with an eagle with "E Pluribus Unum" riband on one side, and "US" on reverse, each side embellished with foliate and diaper design. Cast gilt brass hilt with half basket guard decorated with open work and chased floral motifs. Leather grip with tightly wound brass wire. Cast pommel cap decorated with floral patterns. Steel scabbard with four brass mounts. Mounts include throat, two suspension mounts, and the drag (some pitting throughout). Brass hanging mount inscribed, “Presented to 2nd Lieut. W.H. Hamilton / Co. I, 14th Regt. Vt. Vols. / by Company F / Feb. 6th, 1863.” Complete with gold bullion sword knot. 

 

William H. Hamilton enlisted on 9/3/1862 as a sergeant and mustered into Company I, 14th Vermont Infantry on 10/21/1862. He was promoted to 2nd lieutenant 1/16/1863. Hamilton was wounded 7/3/1863 at Gettysburg, PA, and died from those wounds on 7/6/1863. He was laid to rest at Gettysburg National Cemetery.