[MBAtarga]

OK - this helps guys - I knew there would be some Pelicans to help. I didn't realize the length was "personalized" to arm length. I do know this guy is on the tall side. The 40" was given to my son by his wife - so that is probably tip of the scabbard to the tip of the handle - as I doubt she removed the sword from the scabbard. Also - my son stated the sword does not have a guard - so I think it looks like Randy's (rececale) posted picture.

I'm thinking we will leave the brackets unmounted/undrilled and have the Marine actually locate them on the plaque himself. I don't want to have holes pre-drilled in the plaque that is our best guess at placement without having access to the actual item.