This Model 1860 light cavalry saber clearly stamped on the obverse ricasso “US / J.C.W. / 1864,” indicating inspection and acceptance by the U.S., but bears no maker’s marks. It clearly seems, however, to be a product of C. Roby and Company of Chelmsford, Mass. Roby supplied 32,200 light cavalry sabers to the U.S. government on contract starting in 1863 and another 410 by direct purchase in 1861 (in addition to sabers supplied to the state of New Jersey.) The absence of a maker’s stamp is a puzzle, but Roby seems to have specialized in challenging collectors and students of edged weapons with his marking practices: some of his pre-contract sabers are not maker marked and others are; his contract sabers use three different maker markings, all different from that used on some of the pre-contracts; some of his 1863 contract sabers bear a single inspector mark “M,” which is unidentified, unless it is an early version of A.G.M. which also shows up on 1863 products, though over the U.S. and date rather than under them as on the 1864 and 1865 dated sabers, and who is also unidentified, unless he is the same as A.C.M., who inspected sabers by other makers and is. And, we omit such minor details as the mis-struck blade address illustrated by Thillmann that omits the “W.” of the “W. Chelmsford” company address.

That being said, the saber shows several positive characteristics of Roby’s products. The grip is wound with thirteen turns of wire extending from the counterguard all the way up to the pommel; the grip also has shallow grooves producing flatter appearing sides; and, the ricasso of the blade seems to show some over-grinding in the finishing process.

The saber is in very good overall condition. The brass hilt has an untouched, aged patina. The leather and wire are in place with the leather showing some light wear along the tops of the ridges. A thin blade pad is in place under the guard. The blade is a light silver gray with scattered thin dark gray stains, with only one miniscule edge nick and some scratches. The scabbard has blackened surface showing some wear and salt-and-peppering. The throat is missing, but the bands, rings a drag are in place.

The slight wear to the grip shows the sword was issued and saw use. There is also a set of initials scratched into the obverse of the knuckleguard up near the pommel reading, “HAZ,” with the Z being slightly smaller and possibly a “2.” Unfortunately, there are too many possibilities to produce a firm or possible identification.

This is an interesting saber worthy of a cavalry or sword collection or one focusing on Roby products in particular.  [sr] [ph:L]

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