The inscription on this sword should read A.L not A.S . Obviously, the inscription was copied from his signature which looks to be A.S , copies of which will be included with the sword.  Col. Anderson  was a West Point graduate who saw all his service in the West, mostly in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and California.   His Civil War years were spent fighting Rebels and Indians.  He was breveted to the rank of Major for "Gallant and Meritorious" service at the Battle of Valverde in New Mex. He directed his cannon fire in support of Col. Kit Carson's charge against the Texas troops. This however was not successful and ended in his being involved in very bloody hand to hand combat. From there he joined Capt. McCreas Mtd. Rifles and incorporated into the 5th U.S Inf.  Where he served throughout Col. Canby's New Mexico Campaign.  He next served under Gen. James Carlton and was involved in much Indian Fightng in the Rocky's. In 1864 he was given command of the Northern Arizonia district and was stationed at Prescott, Az. where he built Ft. Whipple.  There he was engaged with the Hunkapa, Navajo,and Apache.  By Special order #51 he was sent to command the  8th Calif. Inf. on March 10th,1865 ( date of the inscription on the sword scabbard).  His pension appl. states that the winters he spent campaigning in the Rocky Mtns. (Sierra Madre) and in the field exposed him to constant severe weather conditions of 20-25 degrees below zero which  destroyed his health. Col. Anderson was made Brig.Gen.Vols. March 13,1865 for Fai and Mer. service during the War
The sword itself is a German import with a beautiful blade with an eally nice etched American Eagle and U.S . The matching scabbard is all there with a purposeful dent admistered to the drag in order to quite it.  This great sword would fit into any Civil War or Western Collection. New Mexico and Arizona Civil War items are very hard to find and much sought after today. Sold