Chiefly known as a producer of swords for the Union during the Civil War, a limited quantity of bowie knives were produced by the firm during the wartime years of 1860-1865. Measuring 14 1/4 inches overall with a blade measuring 9 1/8 inches long, a little under 1/4 inch thick at the ricasso and nearly 1 inch wide, with a subtle diamond profile to the cross section and a 1 3/4 inch back clip. Both sides of the blade are etched, with a grapevine pattern on the right, scroll designs on the left, and "ROBY/M'F'G'CO/W.CHELMSFORD/MASS" on the left ricasso. The thin rectangular guard is steel, 1 1/8 inch wide and 2 3/8 inch long. The grip is smooth hardwood, in a contoured octagonal configuration, fitted with a silvered brass collar and pommel cap, both octagonal to match the grip and the latter shaped like a crown. These fittings differ considerably from other known Roby examples, both in overall fineness and in configuration, suggesting a special order or "deluxe" knife. The sheath is brown leather with a silver finished brass throat with integral frog stud and a German silver tip.

Very good. The blade has been lightly sharpened with some minor spotting and handling marks. The guard shows a well aged patina, and the silver furniture has turned an antique black with few lighter spots. The grip is very good with a few light cracks on the left rear and rear flats, along with a few light pressure dents. The sheath is fair with some bends and cracks in the leather. A fine example of the antique American cutler's art. One of a limited number of such available.