In a message dated 8/29/03 9:32:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time, kbailey@frontiernet.net writes: but the swan was usually depicted over a nest of young. You may be able to compare the two marks if you can find a picture of Louisiana buttons. Keith: I have seen the swan/goose on Louisiana buckles & buttons. This bird, & I could be wrong, looks to be more like a turkey, pheasant, etc. -- more of a land bird than a water bird. But there is some 140 years of wear on it. Your E-mail brings another possibility to the table -- that of it being a "captured" weapon. Might have also got it from a secondary source/pawn shop/store following the war. The name of an infantryman engraved on the blade of a cavalrymen's sword seems to be the main sticking point. Thanks again for your time in this matter. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Mike Peters npeters102@aol.com