Manufactured by the West Chelmsford, Massachusetts firm of Christopher Roby and Company, this cavalry saber and scabbard was one of over 48,000 edged weapons produced by the firm for the U.S. Ordnance Department. Considered one of the ‘later contract’ (1864-1865) specimens, the M1860 blade presented here is a finely made weapon.

The blade length of this saber measures 34½”, width is 1 3/32” with a wide fuller 27½” long and the narrow fuller 18¼” long. Blade is slightly curved with just normal age discoloration and some scattered pin prick rust pitting overall. Marked clearly on the obverse riccasso is “U.S. / 1864 / A.G.M.” The reverse ricasso bears “C. ROBY / W.CHELMSFORD (arched) / MASS.” The tight, brass hilt retains the original buff leather washer and a high domed pommel cap which bears an inspector’s small letter ‘M” stamped on it. Hilt never cleaned and retains its original black leather saber knot affixed to one of the branches.

Saber knot is in hard-used condition with moderate flaking and no tassels. The grips feature the typical shallow groove, leather covered handle with the Roby-style, two-strand twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle. The pleasing, black leather wrap is in very good condition with no rips or tears. Top seam is visible on the grips.

Matching steel scabbard wears a dark chocolate patina and is free of any dents or dings. The two ring mounts are tight and secure two 1¼” diameter sword rings. Scabbard retains its throat piece. No inspector marks are discernable on the drag.

It is noted that General George A. Custer carried a Roby enlisted model 1860 with an 1864-dated blade during his wartime service and said the saber was the best model sword ever made. This Roby saber is a great specimen sure to compliment any Civil War edged weapon display or collection.

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