A fine representative saber issued to countless Federal cavalrymen during the Late War of the Rebellion. Manufactured by the West Chelmsford, Massachusetts concern of Christopher Roby and Company, this saber was one of over 48,000 edged weapons produced for the U.S. Ordnance Department. Considered an early contract specimen, this seldom-seen, 1863-dated M1860 blade presented here is a finely made weapon. As author and sword expert John Thillmann notes in his descriptive new book, “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers”, “Christopher Roby made a fine cavalry saber and it compares in quality and workmanship with the Ames model 1860 saber which was undisputedly the finest cavalry saber made in the U.S. at that time.”

The blade length of this saber measures 35”, width is 1 3/32” with a wide fuller 27½” long and a narrow fuller 18¼” long. Blade is curved and crisp with just very light scattered pin prick pitting overall. Still enjoys a pleasing bright scheen. Marked clearly on the obverse riccasso is “U.S. / 1863 / A.G.M.” The reverse ricasso bears the three-line block address of “C. ROBY / W.CHELMSFORD / MASS.” The tight, brass hilt retains the original buff leather washer and a high domed pommel cap which bears an inspector’s small letter “M” stamped on it. Speculation is that ‘M’ could be a Roby inspector or an armory sub-inspector. Hilt appears to have been factory tinned or plated and exhibits a faded golden glow. The grips feature the typical shallow groove, leather covered handle with the Roby style, two-strand twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle. The black leather covering is in very good condition with no rips or tears. Twisted brass wire is tight and strong.

The fine, original steel scabbard appears lightly cleaned and retains it original factory semi-bright scheen with one small dent near the drag. Two ring mounts are tight and secure two 1¼” diameter sword rings. Scabbard retains its throat piece and exhibits the brazed seam along the entire bottom length of the scabbard where the metal was folded and joined. No inspector marks are discernable on the scabbard drag save the numeral “6”. It is noted that General George A. Custer carried a Roby enlisted model 1860 blade during his wartime service. This fine Roby saber with its very reasonable price is a great specimen that would compliment any Civil War edged weapon display or collection.

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