This model 1860 heavy cavalry sabre was produced in the U.S. state of Massachusetts for use by the Northern cavalry forces during the American Civil War (1861-65). The sabre was made by C. Roby in 1865 so it is unlikely that it saw active service during the conflict.
The 882mm Montmorency style blade has a pronounced curve with a wide, slightly rounded spine above twin fullers, one narrow, one broad. The long, broad fuller begins with a flat line at the ricasso (in later models the beginning of the fuller is rounded). Within the broad fuller, the second very narrow fuller runs directly below the spine. The blade is in excellent condition with one shallow edge nick. The first 300mm of the blade was service sharpened. The ricasso is stamped with the details, “C. Roby. W. Chelmsford. MASS.” The obverse ricasso is stamped, “U.S. 1865 A.G.M.”
The heavy, three-branch brass guard is in excellent condition. The original leather grip is in excellent condition but without its twisted brass wire. The pommel of the hilt is stamped with the letter M.
The heavy-duty steel scabbard has double suspension rings. The scabbard is in excellent condition with minimal patches of tarnish. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of the famous US model 1860 cavalry sabre made by a top American Civil War maker.
