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Model 1860 Cavalry Saber & Scabbard, Dated 1863, Massachusetts Contract
Guns International #: 102264813 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Collectibles - Civil War - Edged Weapons Pre 1900
Seller's Information
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Seller: Bobinwmass
Member Since: 2/19/23
State: Massachusetts
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 23
Total Number of Listings: 69
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping price for specific item included in item description. Three day inspection and return policy on all items.
Payment Types Accepted: Check or Money Order, Paypal (plus 3% fee) for non-firearm related items, layaways considered..
About Us: Recently retired, starting to sell off my militaria collection of 30 years. New to this site, but have sold on other sites for years with 100% positive feedback under same user ID.
Description:
In his book “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers”, John H. Thillmann discusses the anomaly of the 1863 dated cavalry sabers made by Christopher Roby of West Chelmsford, Mass. that have the circular maker mark. These sabers lack the usual 2 or 3 initial final inspection initials on the blade ricasso, instead possessing a single slanted letter "M" in that place. He reports that some believe that this single letter may have been used because the Federal inspector may have been some new or unknown inspector for which a proper final inspection stamp with full initials was not available. Thillmann apparently wasn’t aware that Massachusetts ordered and received 1208 light cavalry sabers from Roby in 1863. It is my belief the Roby sabers with the circular maker mark and the "M" on the ricasso are those for the Massachusetts contract. Since these sabers were not for a Federal contract, they would not have Federal government inspector initials stamped on them. A subinspector could approve if acceptable to the state. There is no doubt that there was a Roby subinspector that used a stamp with the initial “M”, as that initial is stamped on the pommel tang and scabbard drag of many Roby sabers, even those made for Federal contracts.
This saber is one of the Roby 1863 sabers with the circular maker mark and “M” inspector initial. It also has an “M” on the pommel brim and the scabbard drag. The sword and saber have a pleasing aged tone with clear markings. The graying blade is held tightly to the hilt with no play. It retains the leather and wire wrap. The scabbard does have a couple minor dents from use, but the saber slides in and out with no problems. I like the fact that the early 1863 date means this saber certainly was made in time to see use during the Civil War. Most of the sabers you see with 1865 dates didn’t even get delivered until after the War ended. In fact, it appears that this saber continued in service for many years after the war, as the hilt and scabbard have been plated, and the brass hilt wire replaced with iron or steel wire to meet the new regulations in the early 1900's saying sabers should be trimmed in silver. It is difficult to notice unless you hold it out straight in front of you and sight down the length, but the scabbard has the slightest gentle curve to the left. Thillmann reports they are sometimes found this way, and offers the following from the History of the 1st Mass. Cavalry Regiment as a possible explanation: "Of the soldier's equipment, the rattling scabbard, with iron rings, made a ceaseless noise...absence from this noise would have added to the efficiency of a scouting party. The men finally learned to fasten the saber, scabbard and all, firmly to the near side of the saddle, parallel to the horse's body, and when mounted throw the left leg over it. It was then ready to be drawn when mounted, and was not in the way of the dismounted soldier...On foot a saber is seldom of use and is dreadfully in the way." This does make a lot of sense as otherwise the saber would be bouncing all over the place if simply left to hang from the saber straps as they were riding. Please take a look at all the photos as they provide the best description of condition. Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Three day return privilege, buyer pays return shipping. Shipping cost $45.00 towards Priority Mail with insurance.
SOLD