kilgarvan Posted April 2, 2019 Share #1 Posted April 2, 2019 Can anyone chime in on this sword? I know its in rough shape, but, if I understand correct its a Pre Contract early 1861 Roby. How rare is this? How many swords were made during the pre contract with this simple marking? Thoughts? Also, leave as is since its rare? Restore it? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilgarvan Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share #2 Posted April 2, 2019 Pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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SKIPH Posted April 2, 2019 Share #4 Posted April 2, 2019 Kilgarven- You're in luck! I own two Roby model 1860 sabers, an 1861, like yours, and an 1865. I grew up in Chelmsford Ma, and worked a short distance from where the plant was. The first ones made by Christopher Roby were in 1861. These lacked the date, and the circular "West Chelmsford Mass" logo.In 1861 they only produced 410 of the 1860s. Roby produced 32,000 by 1865. The handles have an extra wire wrap, at 13 if memory is correct. Prior to the Civil War they made scythes for farming, so swords would have been an easy transition. SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilgarvan Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share #5 Posted April 2, 2019 Thanks Skip! So, is mine one of only 410 made in 1861??!!! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SARGE Posted April 3, 2019 Share #6 Posted April 3, 2019 It looks like the scabbard has been nickel plated. I have seen this before on some Cavalry sabers. Could have been done during wartime or might have been done for continued postwar use by Militia Troopers. I think I would be tempted to leave it un-restored. It looks nice as is in my eyes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spathologist Posted April 3, 2019 Share #7 Posted April 3, 2019 It looks like the scabbard has been nickel plated. I have seen this before on some Cavalry sabers. Could have been done during wartime or might have been done for continued postwar use by Militia Troopers. I think I would be tempted to leave it un-restored. It looks nice as is in my eyes. Perhaps used as a Cavalry staff NCO/1st SGT saber post-1910. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reschenk Posted April 4, 2019 Share #8 Posted April 4, 2019 Perhaps used as a Cavalry staff NCO/1st SGT saber post-1910. Farrington thoroughly documents this use of M1860 Cavalry sabers with nickel-plated scabbards for this purpose in his book "Swords & Sabers of the US Army, 1867-1918".. I would definitely not try to unplate your scabbard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilgarvan Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share #9 Posted April 4, 2019 Thanks for the help guys. Yeah, I think I will leave it as is. Do you think this is one of only 410 produced in 1861????? If anybody has any thoughts on value, please shoot me a PM as I know this is not the "whats it worth" forum. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted April 4, 2019 Share #10 Posted April 4, 2019 Here you go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted April 4, 2019 Share #11 Posted April 4, 2019 Sorry! Somehow attached this twice, Amazed I could fit something that large into thread. COOL! SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted April 5, 2019 Share #12 Posted April 5, 2019 Found this Springfield Armory site w/ info on the C.Roby Model 1860. This is the site, and how it was spelled-- "Saber-US Saber Model 1860 Cavalry." "WW2.rediscov.com/spring/VFPCGI.exe?IDCFile=%2Fspring%2FDETAILS". Just go with the Saber spelled, easier. It does give the information about the 410 sold in 1861. Good info. SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKIPH Posted April 6, 2019 Share #13 Posted April 6, 2019 Think I finally have it. SKIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilgarvan Posted April 6, 2019 Author Share #14 Posted April 6, 2019 Thanks Skip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilgarvan Posted April 6, 2019 Author Share #15 Posted April 6, 2019 Despite condition, this seems to be a very rare and desirable early Roby with high probability its one of the 410! Very cool!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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