Mike: I'm not sure if it is called a Light Cavalry Sword or not, and I did find one by the same maker in an Oct.2005 auction, which they said was a Non-Regulation Staff & Field Officers Sword...same maker, but the photo was too small to positively say it was the same type. From tip of scabbard to end of hilt it is approx. 39.50", from blade tip to end of hilt (or handle as I would put it), it is 32.25", from tip of blade to end of hilt it is 38". It is a European non-reg. sword..marked F. Horster (F. Horster was in business until 1863, then it became E. & F. Horster. On one side has a winged American Eagle in Sunburst and the opposite has U. S. with scroll embellishments on either side. My description of that would have been less informative, but I guess it's OK to steal someone else's words in a case like this. It also has "Proved" stamped in a disc on the ricasso...& F. Horster, Solingen on the side opposite "Proved". And "Iron proof" on the flat edge near the hilt. The grip is covered in sharkskin (which is slightly worn) and bound with triple strand copper wire. The scabbard is steel with a flared throat, and two sword ring mounts...and drag??? not sure what that means, but since the scabbard looks like the one I have, thought I'd include it. Initially I thought Matthew Hardie had been a LT. in the 28th when it was a pre-CW Regiment.... now I know the 28th was newly formed and that scenario was in error, so... he was gifted with the sword between 1862-1865, and somewhere along the way, was promoted.