This saber is an early, seldom seen ‘C. Roby’ enlisted Model 1840 light artillery edged weapon termed a Type-1. Blade exhibits the single, rare one-line maker address “C. ROBY & CO” but no inspector’s mark or date. Per John Thillmann, author of “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers”, the fact that Roby made Type 1 sabers indicates they were likely interested in contracting with the US government but no Type 1 Roby saber has been found stamped with “US” or an inspection mark.

Saber rests in an original artillery metal scabbard but the scabbard is not original to the blade. Termed a Type 1, this C. Roby variation has the recessed hilt and was produced sometime prior to 1859 before the government contracts had started. Made for light artillery, the blade has a pronounced curve with a single wide stopper fuller that measures 23½” long and no narrow fuller. Blade is very good and wears a dull light gray scheen with evidence of scattered minor light pinprick pitting. Clearly marked on the reverse ricasso of the blade is the stamping “C. ROBY & CO” in block format. Obverse ricasso is plain. Saber has a 31½”long, curved, single edged steel blade with a flat top and a single wide fuller. Blade has seen cleaning and has no edge nicks but the edge does show evidence of some old sharpening. No leather washer pad.

Brass pommel has a 3/8” high, domed cap and bears no inspector marks. Entire brass hilt, including the pommel has acquired rich, pleasing dark patina. Hilt is tight to the blade. Original grips, strong and tight, consist of a turned, wooden handle wrapped with black bridle leather and encircled with original, still tight, single-twist, brass wire wrap. Black leather is very good and shows almost no wear.

The undented iron scabbard exhibits a salt and pepper mottled gray patina with moderate pinprick pitting overall. Scabbard fits the blade but does not have the raw edge at the throat. The large iron ring bands are tight and suspend the two 1 7/8” diameter sword suspension rings. Unmarked throat. A rare, undated C. Roby M1840 artillery saber with accompanying scabbard in very good condition.

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