Known as a producer of swords for the Union during the Civil War, C. Roby & Co. was also known to have made Bowie knives during the conflict. While not a military-issue weapon, Union soldiers were well known for their habit of supplementing their issued gear with privately purchased weapons, and a stout Bowie like this Roby would be welcome in any close-in fight (so long as you were holding it and not the other guy). The overall length is 13 3/4 inches, with the blade measuring 9 3/8 inches long, 1 3/8 inches wide at the base of the blade, and 1/4 inch thick at the ricasso. The left ricasso is stamped "C. ROBY & CO./CHELMSFORD/MASS." with a single letter "N." next to the maker address. Smooth steel oval cross guard, ribbed and contoured hardwood grip and a solid brass eagle head pommel.