High quality Emerson & Silver Trenton, New Jersey sword presented to Erastus Thomas Yeomans of the 3rd Michigan infantry. The brass scabbard is engraved "PRESENTED BY THE YOUNG MEN OF IONIA TO E.T. YEOMANS SERGENT MAJOR 3RD REGIMENT MICH. INFANTRY OCTOBER 15, 1864." and "OUR GOD, OUR COUNTRY & LIBERTY." The scabbard is embellished with the throat having U.S. and fancy mounts, the top mount depicting an US over a Shield. The guard has an Eagle in a shield with rays extending upward as a backdrop. The blade is profusely etched with military and patriotic motifs and with what appears to be a Zouave soldier holding a musket. The grip is German silver and has the original wire wrap and is in very nice condition.

Erastus T. Yeomans age 22 enlisted as a private in the 3rd Michigan (reorganized) in August of 1864. On October of 1864 he was promoted to Sergent Major and this sword was presented to him at this time to commemorate that promotion. A month later he was promoted to 2nd. Lieutenant. In March of 1865 Lt. Yeomans resigned and was discharged for disability. The old gentleman faded into the sunset on October 24, 1920 and is buried in Ionia, Michigan.