Manufactured by the West Chelmsford, Massachusetts firm of Christopher Roby and Company, this saber 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 sidearm.

The blade length measures 34½”, width is 1 3/32” with a wide fuller 27½” long and the narrow fuller 18¼” long. Blade is curved with just normal dark discoloration and some scattered pin prick rust pitting overall. Appears to have been cleaned. Shows four or five small nicks to the blade edge. Marked sharply and clearly on the obverse riccasso is “U.S. / 1864 / A.G.M.” The reverse ricasso bears a strong “C. ROBY / W.CHELMSFORD (arched) / MASS.”

The tight, brass hilt retains the original buff leather washer and a high domed pommel cap that bears an inspector’s small letter “M” stamped on it. Speculation is that ‘M’ could be a Roby inspector or an armory sub-inspector. Hilt also appears to have seen a light cleaning. The grips feature the typical shallow groove, leather covered handle with the Roby style, double-twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle. Brass is tight and strong. The pleasing, dark brown color, leather covering is in good condition and has no rips or tears but does show minor scuffing.

The 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. Original scabbard retains its throat piece and also exhibits the brazed seam along the entire bottom length of the scabbard where the metal was folded and joined. Inspector marks “J. P.” are discernable on the scabbard drag. General George A. Custer carried a Roby enlisted model 1860 with an 1864-dated blade during his wartime service. This Roby saber, with its very reasonable price, is a fine specimen to compliment any Civil War edged weapon display.

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