Inscribed M1860 light cavalry saber with A.G.M. inspector's marks and 1865 date at ricasso.  The scabbard has been nickel plated and is inscribed at the throat " Chas Roberts , Cal Cav Bat, 1862 - 1865."  Sword is in original and untouched condition.  The blade shows little wear and has not been sharpened.  Leather grip is intact and excellent with original wire wrap.

Charles Roberts, originally from New Brunswick , enlisted in San Francisco with the Cal Battalion which was amalgamated into the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry in 1863.  He kept a journal for much of the early period of his military service, and interesting insights are found from his daily entries.

On October 19, 1864 he was wounded in the thigh during a saber charge against Confederate infantry at Cedar Creek , Virginia .  After a period of recovery, he rejoined the regiment in early 1865 and remained with them during the final struggle leading to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.  Roberts was likely issued this saber at the time of his return to the regiment and probably had the inscription made after that time.  Some men in the unit deducted a small sum from their final pay voucher and retained their personal arms. It seems that Roberts brought his sword home as a memento of his service during the Civil War.