US light cavalry sabre, model 1860 by Roby, American (1864)

Title	US light cavalry sabre, model 1860 by Roby
Nationality	American
Period	1864

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This classic Union cavalry sabre, with nearly 100% of its original polish to the blade, is marked 'ROBY//W.SHELMSFORD//MASS' at the forte, Roby being the most desirable of the Union makers (the Ames swords have recently been reproduced in India). On the other side of the forte it is marked 'US 1864 A.G.M.'

The blade is superb. The hilt is stained throughout with an overlay of nicotine. A little white spirit or some metal polish would remove this easily. There is a 1.5" split in the obverse side of the hilt and a smaller one on the reverse; otherwise, the hilt is in good shape. There is some minor distortion to the knuckle bow of the guard, all too common in these sabres from service wear and tear.

A brazing seam runs the whole length of the scabbard, which is an 1840 model of a US dragoon example. Because of the wider and heavier scabbard, the blade of this example is a rather loose fit. However, I should add that the 1840 dragoon scabbard is in itself somewhat of a rarity.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Swords : American : 19th Century]

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