Chiefly known as a producer of swords for the Union during the Civil War, Roby 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 the 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 inches, with the blade measuring 8 1/2 inches long, 1 7/16 inches wide at the base of the blade, and a quarter inch thick at the ricasso, with a subtle diamond profile to the cross section and a 2 1/2 inch straight back clip. Both sides of the blade are etched with leafy vine patterns, and the left ricasso is stamped "C. ROBY & CO./CHELMSFORD/MASS.". The hilt is very businesslike in configuration, with a smooth steel oval cross guard, a brass grip collar, ribbed and contoured hardwood grip and a solid brass eagle head pommel. With a brown leather sheath.

Very good. The blade shows a fine bright color overall, with light spotting, a few tiny chips on the edge near the tip, and sharp etching. Similar ageing is present on the guard, with a mustard brown patina on the eagle head and minor dings on the hilt overall. The sheath is fair, showing its age with no furniture and a number of cracks, scuffs and tears. This is a top notch example of one of the scarce private purchase sidearms of the Civil War which could serve as a cornerstone piece of a major American or Civil War edged weapons collection.