United States. An M1840, Roby 1863 Non Commissioned Officer's Sword

This sword features a 713 mm long steel blade, magnetic, with a semi-sharp edge and a very sharp tip, along with a wide spine, the fuller running almost the full length of the blade. It is marked "U.S. 1863 F.S.S." (F.S.S. = Frederick S. Strong, Government Armory Inspector 1862-1863) on the obverse ricasso, the reverse ricasso maker marked in a circle "C. ROBY. / W. CHELMSFORD MS" (Christopher Roby; "MS" for Massachusetts, not "MA" as used today). The hilt is in brass, the crossguard with a wide quillon with a domed end, the guard stamped "F.S.S." (Frederick S. Strong) at the centrepoint on the obverse and matching the mark used on the obverse ricasso on the blade, the grip giving the appearance of wire wrap but is integral with the handle, the pommel formed by a large ball and finished with a button end, the sword measuring 875 mm in length and is without its scabbard. It exhibits spotting and multiple contact marks on the blade, with discoloration and contact marks overall present on the hilt. Fine.

Footnote: The model 1840 non commissioned officer sword was intended for sergeants and was ceremonial in purpose, being used to convey rank and to signal movement in drills. The sword could be used in a fight, but only as a weapon of last resort. Christopher Roby began his sword manufacturing business, first by making edged tools. His factory was located in West Chelmsford, Massachusetts and was once known as "Scythe Factory Village". A manufacturing business started by Deacon John Farwell eventually was passed to F.T. Sawyer in 1846. Later Sawyer would sell one half of his interest to C. Roby, the firm being known as Roby, Sawyer Company. By 1853, Roby would buy out Sawyer and changed the business to C. Roby & Company. Roby’s first contract with the government was for NCO and M1840 Musician’s swords. In 1863, Roby delivered 9,000 NCO swords, this sword being one of those.