Christopher Roby began his sword manufacturing business first by making edged tools. His factory, located in Chelmsford, was once known as “Scythe Factory Village.” A manufacturing business started by Deacon John Farwell eventually passed to F.T. Sawyer in 1846. Later Sawyer would sell one half of his interest to C. Roby, the firm being known as Roby, Sawyer Company. By 1853 Roby would buy out Sawyer and changed the business to C. Roby & Co. Roby’s first contract with the government was for N.C.O. and M1840 Musician’s swords. In 1863 Roby delivered 9,000 N.C.O. swords this sword one of those.

This original specimen featured a cast brass hilt with a simulated wire wrapped handle with a double shell-style guard. Knuckle-bow bears “FSS” for Frederick S. Strong armory inspector. A single “S” exists possibly a work strike reverse side blank. The single edge blade features a stopped single fuller and a ricasso stamped on the obverse side of the blade “US/1863/FSS.” Reverse side in a circle “C. Roby W. Chelmsford MS.” Blade semi-gray patina no rust/pitting. Hilt nice yellow patina. Sans scabbard.  [ws] [ph:JET]

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