This is a wonderful and impressive example of a Confederate "Dog River Saber". It is also one of the largest I've ever owned or seen. The saber itself measures 41" overall with a huge 36" blade that is 1 & 1/4" wide and 3/8" thick at the tang, a truly impressive Cavalry Saber. The blade is so large and in such good condition, it reminds one of an Ames Model 1840 wrist-breaker blade. It retains about 90% original polish with just old staining scattered about its surface and one sharp ding on its un-sharpened edge. The grip retains 100% original leather and wire wrap that is in excellent condition for this model. The scabbard is also in very fine condition, with the usual crude lap-seam to its reverse and showing about 70& original burgundy paint mixing with brown patina. It has a few slight depressions and stains but is as mentioned, truly fine condition. If you search long and hard, you can find a decent "Dog River" with the tired old oil-cloth grips at a good price today compared to 6 or 7 years ago. But the premier examples such as this with full-leather, great blade, lots of scabbard paint and even most of the original pad still command top-dollar. I believe this one is quite a bargain.