Bidspirit auction | C. ROBY MODEL 1860 LIGHT

C. ROBY MODEL 1860 LIGHT CAVALRY SABER - Scarce Model 1860 light cavalry saber from maker C. Roby, 35 in. blade, 41 in. total. The obverse ricasso is marked 'U.S. / 1865 / A.G.M.', while the reverse ricasso bears the three-line maker's mark of 'C. ROBY / W. CHELMSFORD / MASS.' The tight, brass hilt retains the original buff leather washer, and a high-domed pommel cap which bears an inspector’s small letter 'M' stamped on it. The twisted brass wire is largely absent, and what remains towards the pommel has been retouched with gilt paint, with a small spot of white staining nearby. The blade bears much of its original shine and remains in good condition, save for some very light surface pitting and one chip toward the blade end, lightly from being struck against a hard surface. The crossguard bears an inspector's mark '6' on the reverse. Scabbard absent. Overall, in very good condition. Notably, General George A. Custer carried a Roby enlisted model 1860 blade during his wartime service.