Presented here is a standard Civil War Model 1850 foot officer’s sword complete with its matching leather scabbard by the Christopher Roby Manufacturing Company of West Chelmsford, Massachusetts. C. Roby produced high-grade edged weapons for private purchase.

This handsome, regulation, infantry officer’s edged weapon is in very good overall condition. Crafted from high-grade steel, the blade measures 31½” long, 1” wide, and has a stopped wide fuller 20½” long with a 15” long narrow fuller. On the flat of both sides of the blade, starting right above the ricasso, is a beautifully etched design with eye-catching frosting that extends for a length of eighteen inches. Reverse blade exhibits a distinct, acid-etched frosted design that highlights plain letters “U S” flanked with military motifs. Maker’s inscription on the ricasso reads simply “ROBY” in frosted script. Blade obverse shows the same design but features a detailed spreadwinged eagle centered in the design. Blade bears a polished sheen and detailed frosting. The handsome, pleasing blade exhibits no edge nicks but does show evidence of sharpening for some 16” down from the tip. Blade shows few scattered dark oxidation spots overall. Lightly rounded blade back.

The single-band brass hilt features a solid guard and a slightly bent knucklebow with a delicately cast band. Band displays cutout oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves. Brass hilt is tight to the blade tang. Original leather washer is strong and secure. Hilt features a grooved, center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in quality, dark colored rayskin that is tightly bound with double-twisted brass wire. Last two strands slightly loose. Few of the nodes have rubbed off the center area of the grips. Grips are original, tight and in good condition. Brass pommel is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap. Casting on the hilt and pommel is well executed.

The original black leather scabbard is a complete specimen with ornate brass furniture. Scabbard is of black bridle leather and exhibits a strong and solid body surface. Surface shows a few light cracks over its length. Scabbard has no repair areas but does show a single weak spot 3” up from the brass drag. All seam stitching remains tight. Two plain brass bands with simple line tooling on each band support the suspension sword mounts and rings. On the upper band, scabbard displays the maker’s stamp “C. ROBY & CO / W CHELMSFORD MASS.” Is slightly dented at the name. All brass furniture appears to have been cleaned. Brass drag is in good condition with slight dings and dents. Scabbard retains all screws.

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