Made to the pattern of US M.1960 Staff & Field Officer’s sword (Peterson #121) with the shell guard bearing the G.A.R. monogram flanked by military branch symbols. 28” d.e. blade, unmarked. Wire wrapped black leather covered grip. The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization for Union veterans of the Civil War established in 1866 to promote the welfare of those veterans and provide comradery. It was the GAR that established Memorial Day as a holiday. It was dissolved in1956 upon the death of the last member. Many Civil War weapons and relics owe their survival to being displayed in GAR posts.
