This sword popped out of the woods here in central Alabama and is in attic condition.  The outside of the sword is nicely patinaed with nut brown brass and smooth brown iron scabbard.  The grip has about 95% of the leather intact with all the wire.  The washer is still present and the hilt is tight as new.  The blade is very nice, showing the original bright burnish from one end to the other, interrupted only by light fingerprint staining.  The left side of the blade is stamped with the initials JBA.  The right side of the blade is stamped with the initial "M".  The pommel is stamped ACM.  This is a rare contract sword made for the United States Government during the Civil War.  It is attributed to J. B. Allere of Chicago.  The ACM inspection mark on the pommel is the mark of Alfred C. Manning who, as far as I can tell, only inspected in 1863.  A pleasant, attic condition sword which is relatively scarce.  Price $1,250.  Price Reduced $750.