November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
Slightly curved double-fullered blade with long etched panels on each side of polished blade. The right side features floral scenes, patriotic arms motifs, and an American eagle. The other side features arms with an American flag and liberty cap, and a large "U.S.". The ricasso on the left side is etched "C.ROBY & CO.". Standard cast brass hilt with pierced guard and hilt finish. Sharkskin wrapped grip with twisted brass wire. Complete with black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, throat mount stamped "C. ROBY & CO./W. CHELMSFORD, MASS.". Christopher Roby made regulation swords, but they are known to be exceptionally detailed and embellished. Other makers did not pay great attention to detail on Foot Officer's swords, but Roby did. He used extra engraving, and spent more time on the details. His work is often compared to Gustave Young, engraving on early Colt pistols. The blade shows great detail, and is obviously of high quality steel, as it was made by Roby, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. For a similar example and more information, see page 347 of "Civil War Army Swords" by John H. Thillmann. Excellent condition. Blade retains about 95% original polish, with some scattered light grey spotting. Hilt retains about 70-80% gilt finish, grip is excellent. Scabbard very good with some losses to finish, and scattered areas of crazing, mounts very good with generous traces of gilt in protected areas, drag has a couple dents.