July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2022
Lot consists of (A) Manufactured by Christopher Roby and Company in West Chelmsford, Massachusetts, this cavalry saber was 1 of over 48,000 edged weapons produced by the firm for the U.S. Ordnance Department. This example is dated 1865, and is considered as one of the "later contract" examples which date from 1864-1865. The saber is in standard M1860 configuration featuring curved blade with wide fuller, brass guard, knucklebow, and pommel, and a center swelled wood grip wrapped with leather and double twisted brass wire. The sword is marked "U.S. / 1865 / A.G.M." on the obverse ricasso and "C. ROBY / W. CHELMSFORD / MASS" on the reverse ricasso. Complete with its steel scabbard, the sword also features a leather sword sling with brass clasp marked "R.I.A.". CONDITION: The blade is bright and exhibits evidence of an older polishing as well as areas of scattered spotting and pitting. The brass components of the hilt exhibit a mustard patina. Wood grip exhibits almost all leather loss with slightly loose brass wire. The sword sling exhibits cracks and creases but remains supple. Scabbard exhibits a gray/brown patina with areas of pitting throughout its length. Overall good. (B) US Springfield Armory M1860 Staff Officers sword. The sword features a spearpoint blade that is that is adorned for half its length with etched patriotic and foliate motifs. The sword is marked "U.S. / Armory / Springfield / Mass." just above the ricasso. The hilt features a brass guard decorated with a patriotic eagle as well as a folding counterguard with patriotic shield decoration. Knucklebow and pommel are also adorned with floral motifs, with the pommel cap in the shape of a flower. Grooved wood grip wrapped with sharkskin and double twisted brass wire. The sword is housed in an equally attractive Ames scabbard which is marked "N.P. AMES / Cutler / Cabotville / MASS." The gilded scabbard features 2 mounts with carry rings, decorated with beautifully cast floral motifs, as well as a equally attractive drag, lush with oak leaves and acorns. CONDITON: The blade remains bright with unmolested decorations. Light areas of pitting. Hilt exhibits a nice patina with functioning folding counterguard. Scabbard is bright with oxidation noticeable between the decorations. Overall very good. PROVENANCE: Roger Bender Collection. JLD
Blade Length
(A) 35" (B) 31 - 1/4"
Overall Length
(A) 41" (B) 37 - 1/2"