EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THB[CIVIL WAR] Roby N.C.O. Sword
![[CIVIL WAR] Roby N.C.O. Sword](https://s1.img.bidsquare.com/item/xl/3375/33753113.jpeg?t=1Vjd6b)
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
About Auction
LiveApr 25, 2026
Featuring rare artifacts, documents, ephemera, photography, and weaponry relating to the American Civil War. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com
View Full Catalog (361)
- Lot Description
M1840 N.C.O. sword. West Chelmsford, Massachusetts: C. Roby & Co. Ricasso stamped "C. ROBY / W. CHELMSFORD. MS." in a circle. Ricasso reverse stamped "U.S. / 1862 / F.S.S." Inspector's initials (F.S.S.) also stamped on knuckle-bow and top of scabbard. Blade approx. 32 in. Overall approx. 38 1/2 in. long.
Provenance: Frederick "Frank" Logan Collection
Complete in leather scabbard. The blade is overall clean, exhibiting a light patina and hardly any signs of wear. The hilt's brass is also lightly patinated, with small areas of oxidation around the partially-absent washer and to the pommel. The guard is in an attractive clamshell shape, and the grip features a tightly wound cast brass wire wrap.
Between 1862 and 1865, C. Roby & Co. was contracted by the government and manufactured 12,500 N.C.O. swords, with the last contract completed nearly four months after the Battle of Appomattox. Christopher Roby (1814-1897) got his start in forging edged tools by making and selling scythes in the 1840s, eventually becoming a partner in Roby, Sawyer & Co. in 1846. He gained full control of the company in 1853, changing the name to C. Roby & Co., and continued to make scythes and machetes. In 1861, with the embargo on trade from secessionist states and an apparent lack in both the North and South of edged weapons, Roby naturally turned to producing swords.
As the war progressed, Roby became concerned of Copperhead agitation in northern Massachusetts. He decided to petition the state to raise a cavalry troop for home defense, having had experience as a member of the New Hampshire "Governor's Horse Guards." The troop was approved and elected Roby as its captain, becoming Company F, Unattached Cavalry, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Roby eventually filed his company for bankruptcy in 1867, becoming discouraged and wanting to resign from his captaincy; however, he stayed in his position for another 10 years.
From the collection of Frederick "Frank" Logan. Frank Logan was a dedicated Civil War enthusiast and respected member of the collecting community. He began his lifelong passion for Civil War history as a relic hunter in the mid-1970s. Over the decades, that early interest grew into a deep passion for all aspects of the Civil War, with his collecting efforts eventually centering on Maryland-related artifacts and material culture.
A member of the Maryland Arms Collectors Association, he was well regarded among fellow collectors for his knowledge and appreciation of historical artifacts. Carefully assembled over many years, his collection reflects decades of searching, study, and a genuine dedication to preserving pieces of American Civil War history.
Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.
[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades]
Condition
39 1/8 in. overall, 32 in. blade, marked "Croby. / W. Chelmsford, Ms." "U.S. / 1862 / F.S.S."
Inspector's initials, FSS (Frederic S. Strong).
- Shipping Info
-
All packages valued at over $250 are shipped with a signature required upon delivery. All packages handled and shipped in-house by Fleischer's Auctions are not insured unless insurance is requested. Successful bidders who would like their packages insured are responsible for notifying us that this is the case and are responsible for paying the cost of insurance.
-
- Payment & Auction Policies
-
Available payment options
-
-
- Buyer's Premium
