PRESENTATION ROBY STAFF SWORD TO LT. COL. MELVIN BEAL, 6TH MASS.

PRESENTATION ROBY STAFF SWORD TO LT. COL. MELVIN BEAL, 6TH MASS. This is a beautiful Roby made staff officer’s sword with a 32″ slightly curved blade more reminiscent of a cavalry blade than a staff officer’s. Sword is also fitted in a brass mounted metal scabbard also reminiscent of a cavalry saber. The hilt however is a standard Model 1850 staff & field officer’s sword with a large “US” in a foliate decorated basket. The grip is shark skin with fancy triple wire wrap. There is an extra engraved band around crown of pommel as there is a bit of extra engraving on end of knuckle bow where it enters pommel, on quillon and fine engraving on the brass scabbard mounts including the drag and the throat. The blade is in very fine condition exhibiting most of its original frost and luster and has a 7″ central panel presentation which reads “Lieut. Col. Melvin Beal. 6th Regt. M.H.M”. The blade is decorated with patriotic and floral motifs in great detail typical of Roby’s work. Blade is also firm marked “C. Roby & Co/W Chelmsford/Mass”. Melvin Beal was born Oct. 31, 1832 in Guilford, Maine. Melvin Beal entered military service at the outbreak of war on April 15, 1861. He was discharged on Aug. 2, 1861; at that time, many enlistments were only for 90 days as common wisdom believed the war would be a short one. Bull Run changed all that. Beal re-enlisted on May 27, 1862 with the rank of Lt. Col. , 6th Mass. Infantry. His term of service this time was 9 months. Beal mustered out with his regiment on June 3, 1863. Melvin Beal enlisted once more, as Lt. Col. from July 17, 1864 to Oct. 27, 1864. The 6th Mass. saw service in Baltimore in 1861 and various posts with the 7th Army Corps along the coast of Virginia, garrison duty in Washington and Boston Harbor. CONDITION: Blade is very good overall retaining much of its original frost and luster. Several areas of staining and pitting especially at ricasso but below etched panels. Brass hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts are cleaned showing traces of gilt in protected areas. Shark skin grip is sound and complete as is wire wrap showing only minor wear. Steel scabbard body retains some original finish with scattered areas of staining, one small dent. 4-39981 JS59 (8,000-10,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2400	$0.00	PRESENTATION ROBY STAFF SWORD TO LT. COL. MELVIN BEAL, 6TH MASS. This is a beautiful Roby made staff officer’s sword with a 32″ slightly curved blade more reminiscent of a cavalry blade than a staff officer’s. Sword is also fitted in a brass mounted metal scabbard also reminiscent of a cavalry saber. The hilt however is a standard Model 1850 staff & field officer’s sword with a large “US” in a foliate decorated basket. The grip is shark skin with fancy triple wire wrap. There is an extra engraved band around crown of pommel as there is a bit of extra engraving on end of knuckle bow where it enters pommel, on quillon and fine engraving on the brass scabbard mounts including the drag and the throat. The blade is in very fine condition exhibiting most of its original frost and luster and has a 7″ central panel presentation which reads “Lieut. Col. Melvin Beal. 6th Regt. M.H.M”. The blade is decorated with patriotic and floral motifs in great detail typical of Roby’s work. Blade is also firm marked “C. Roby & Co/W Chelmsford/Mass”. Melvin Beal was born Oct. 31, 1832 in Guilford, Maine. Melvin Beal entered military service at the outbreak of war on April 15, 1861. He was discharged on Aug. 2, 1861; at that time, many enlistments were only for 90 days as common wisdom believed the war would be a short one. Bull Run changed all that. Beal re-enlisted on May 27, 1862 with the rank of Lt. Col. , 6th Mass. Infantry. His term of service this time was 9 months. Beal mustered out with his regiment on June 3, 1863. Melvin Beal enlisted once more, as Lt. Col. from July 17, 1864 to Oct. 27, 1864. The 6th Mass. saw service in Baltimore in 1861 and various posts with the 7th Army Corps along the coast of Virginia, garrison duty in Washington and Boston Harbor. CONDITION: Blade is very good overall retaining much of its original frost and luster. Several areas of staining and pitting especially at ricasso but below etched panels. Brass hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts are cleaned showing traces of gilt in protected areas. Shark skin grip is sound and complete as is wire wrap showing only minor wear. Steel scabbard body retains some original finish with scattered areas of staining, one small dent. 4-39981 JS59 (8,000-10,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}