The quintessential U.S. cavalry arm of the Civil War, the Model 1860 saber was actually introduced in 1857 as a replacement for the heavier Model 1840, but long-used collector terminology has fixed it with the later date. In any case, the pattern saw wide issue and use throughout the war and into the early Indian Wars. This is a top shelf example dated 1865 and made by Roby, perhaps the best known US contractor for swords next to Ames. The Roby, Chelmsford, Mass., maker’s stamp is crisply struck on one side of the ricasso and the U.S. acceptance stamp, 1865 date, and inspector’s initials A.G.M. are clearly stamped on the other. The blade rates excellent, in the bright, with a good and edge and point, showing a nearly mirror finish overall, with just a few gray spots near the ricasso.

The blade pad is in place on the underside of the guard and the original black leather grip wrap and twisted brass binding wire are in place and tight. The brass hilt has a medium patina, perhaps polished decades ago but toning down and matching the wire. The pommel cap has a couple of small scratches, but the cap and blade tang are smooth, indicating it has not been messed with or tightened up. The scabbard throat, drag, rings and ring bands are present. The drag shows an original “J.C.W.” inspector stamp. The scabbard is exceptional, retaining at least 90 percent coverage of original thinning blue finish that has not oxidized to brown and without any surface rust or corrosion. There are just two tiny dimples to the scabbard body: one on the right near the drag and the other on the left near the throat. The placement suggests they may have been intentionally made to prevent the saber from rattling in the scabbard and keep it more firmly seated when carried on horseback.

This is an extremely nice example of the regulation U.S. cavalry saber dated in the last year of the war when some of the largest Federal cavalry raids took place.  [sr]

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