Can you identify this name or grip frame engraving? US .45 Colt 1890

[Chopperdog]

Its a .45 cal., 7 1/2 barrel, US contract Calvary, single action, R.A.C. inspected, ?1890-1891. Included in the last US contract shipment. This gun did not go back to the Colt factory for refurbishing and shortened barrel.
It has period correct engraving down the grip frame.... Top of grip frame has a 5 point star behind the trigger recess.
"E B.Howard" along the grip frame. Then "USM" near the butt at the bottom of the grip frame. (I do not know what "USM" is an acronym for other than an obvious guess)
On the bottom of the butt is an engraved date "1897".
The closest possibility I have found is an E B Howad as 7th Commander of Whittier Post #7, Grand Army of the Republic Chicago outpost assuming the 7th Commander was EB Howard in the 1897 period?

Thanks,
Chopper Dog

[jringo8769]

hey any pics..

[Chopperdog]

I am not with my pics or the gun but i can post some in a few days.

[broknaxl]

If you can post good pictures with close ups of the lettering and serial #s you'll get a lot more and better info.

[Chopperdog]

THank you broknaxi. Im new at this forum thing. Will take all the help I can get! Will repost when I get to my pics!

Chopper Dog