This is a nice little Cavalry grouping of William Kinney of the 20th New York Cavalry. The sword is dated 1863 (difficult to discern the last digit) and in generally very good to fine condition over-all. The discharge, CDV, Medal and Badge are originals and are professionally framed. The sword has a nice inscription on the knuckle-bow but I couldn't get a good photo of it. It is in large Old English letters, "William Kinney, 20th new York Cavalry". The scabbard shows generous traces of nickel plating in protected areas. As I'm sure you've heard before from all the so-called "experts" that this was a post-war practice to preserve these artifacts, one might say that this was probably done by a GAR or other veterans organization. That may be true, but maybe not. As original commercial nickel plating was available from Brooklyn Plating Works as early as 1848, I don't always buy into this theory. Almost every arms manufacturer as well as State and Federal branches of Service were known to have had some items plated even though they had no such capabilities within their own factories or arsenals. Silver, nickel and tin were the most common processes, silver for its beauty and nickel and tin for a similar visual effect and the added measure of durability under extreme environmental conditions such as Naval use. I am of the opinion that many people in this field have expertise, but all the true "experts" are DEAD. If you weren't there, you'll never know for certain! Regardless of that tidbit of information, this is a nice grouping. Kinney mustered into the 20th as a Saddler and served until the close of the war. The unit saw Duty in the Defenses of Portsmouth, Va. Action at Smithfield, Va., Chuckatuck, Wood's Mills Hill, Guiam's Ford, N. C., Blackwater, Before Petersburg and Richmond December, 1864, to April, 1865. Expedition to Hertford, N. C., Darbytown Road January 18, 1865. Appomattox Campaign April 1-9, Five Forks April 1. Fall of Petersburg April 2. Deep Creek April 3-4. Rice's Station April 6. Burke's Station April 7. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. A nice grouping at a fair price.