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This saber was manufactured by the company of C. Roby, West Chelmsford, Massachusetts. It was a weapon to be issued to enlisted men. However, many officers carried it in preference to the fancy and expensive officer’s swords. The Heavy Cavalry Saber Model 1840, the next sword in this collection, is discussed to outline problems with that weapon. The problems were corrected as the blade of this saber was reduced in width, shortened and lightened. Most of the sabers of the Civil War period were made of this pattern. The hilt of the saber has a brass knuckle-bow with two branches. The grips are leather with a swell in the center and wound with twisted gilt wire. The blade is curved, single edged, and the ricasso on the obverse side is stamped “U.S.” / 1865 / A.G.M.”. The initials are those of the man who proved the weapon. The reverse side of the ricasso carries the name of the manufacturer. The scabbard is iron with two carrying rings and drag. This saber may be described as “light”, but it is a heavy and sturdy sword! Maybe it should have been called the Lighter Cavalry Saber Model 1860!
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