The C. Roby company produced this original, Model 1860 light cavalry saber in 1865 but none of these 1865 sabers ever saw active service in the Civil War. The saber comes with its original Model 1906 steel scabbard that is almost identical to the Model 1860 scabbards. The M1906 steel scabbards have the narrower placed set of metal strap rings (4” apart) and were often interchanged and used to accommodate the earlier M1865 sabers. The slightly curved saber blade measures 35” long, has a width of 1 1/16”, has a 27” long, wide fuller and a narrow fuller 18½” long.   Blade features a salt & pepper mottled gray finish overall. Blade is free of any major blemishes. Obverse riccasso is sharply marked with  “U.S. / 1865  / A.G.M.” while the reverse ricasso bears “C. ROBY / W. CHELMSFORD / MASS.”  

Brass hilt is tight and strong with its symmetrical two-branch guard and a high domed pommel cap which bears a single inspector mark “M” stamped on the flat of the brim. Retains its original buff leather washer.  Brass hilt not cleaned and exhibits a mellow bronze patina. Sword grips exhibit the typical center-swelled, shallow groove, leather covered handle with two-strand, twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle.  Black bridle leather wraps the handle and is in very good original condition.  Leather has light flaking at the top. Twisted brass wire around the grip is strong.

Steel scabbard has acquired a ‘salt and pepper’ gray patina overall and has one slight dent 7” from the drag. Drag unmarked. The two ring mounts that hold two 1¼” diameter sword rings are tight and are spaced 4” apart on the scabbard’s upper portion.  A set screw is visible below the collar.  A brazed seam is exhibited along the entire bottom length of the scabbard where the metal was folded and joined.  A good looking original C. Roby M1865 light cavalry saber -priced right.