41 3/4 in. overall length with a 34 7/8 in. single-edged curved blade with 3/4 27 in. fuller. Maker's mark stamped on both sides of ricasso, "[Emerson &] Silver, Trenton N.J. / US J.F 1865." (mark, partially worn, blade with light pitting). Brass swept hilt, engraved "47" and "A. 9 Cav." in different fonts. Leather grip with tightly wound brass wire. Cast brass pommel cap. (Scratches to hilt, abrasions to leather, heavy wear with losses to tassel). Steel scabbard with two steel suspension mounts. With yellow and gold bullion sword knot (significant loss to bullion). 

A Model 1860 contract saber by Emerson & Silver, rack no. 47 on obverse guard, dated 1865. After the rack number on the obverse guard is stamped "A. 9 Cav.," possibly identifying the saber to the US 9th Cavalry regiment, one of the Buffalo Soldier regiments that saw extensive combat during the late Indian Wars in the western frontier and during the Spanish-American War.