Page 48 - joa-6-23

by John Sexton

Q: I was recently made aware of a sword and exported Belgian firearm A: The sword is
(what I believe may be a rifled musket) owned by my grandparents and Civil War model
wanted to send you some pictures to see if you might be able to assist in 1840 NCO (non-
identifying what exactly the weapons are and whether it would be worth commissioned
having these items appraised and identified in detail. My family has a officer) regulation
relative who served in a volunteer infantry regiment in the Civil War for sergeants or
and believe it was either owned by him or given to him by someone he company officers
served with. of the day. The
My grandparents, both of whom are still alive, indicated they had the maker is Christian
items in the pictures below passed to them by my grandmother’s dad, whose Roby, West
grandfather served as a Private with Company F of the 83rd NY Infantry Chelmsford
Regiment from May 1861 to June 1862. MASS. 1865
The only image of markings on either weapon I wasn’t able to get was appears to be the
the reverse side of the sword’s base. The reverse side of the sword’s base reads date made, and
“C. ROBY CHELMSFORD” in a circular pattern. My understanding FSS was the US
from very basic internet searches is the sword may be a musician’s sword. government
The last digit of the year has been totally worn off and I am unable to make inspector
out the specific year other than “186.” (Frederic S. The serial number or assembly number “13” on the bayonet shank
Strong). If you should be found on the front band also.
check your ances-
tor’s service
records in 83rd
NY and it shows
he was out in
1862, a sword not
issued to him,
but if he joined
another unit or re-
upped, probably
with promotion
to corporal, he
should have had
an NCO sword.
Similar good con-
dition NCO
swords missing
scabbard drag are
typically priced by
dealers at $400-
$450 in the cur-
rent market. “BELGIUM” – the origin of export, seen after 1900.
The musket is not Civil War but is a scarce WWI-era cadet training
rifle made in the style of a 19th musket. The barrel markings “FL.
Dated 1865 “US” and FSS (Frederic S. Strong) inspection on blade and knuckle-bow. 8M. 1. L.” translate to “8mm Flobert” which was roughly a very
small charge .32 caliber cartridge. The “crown & ELG” is Liege
powder proof.
Louis-Nicolas Flobert (1819–1894) invented the first rimfire
metallic cartridge in 1845. His first cartridges known as BB Caps in
6mm or .22 caliber, as the only propellant was only fulminate with no
gunpowder, strictly parlor guns that had no penetrating power. About
1890 slightly more powerful cartridges were made when shooting
galleries became popular.
Most Flobert rifles/pistols are .22 caliber parlor guns used for

shooting targets indoors. The Flobert training rifle is unusual and has
its original angular bayonet which is also made in 19th century style.
The front barrel band should have a matching serial number to the
Barrel proofs show “13” observed on the bayonet. The last few nice complete examples
Liege inspection for sold in auctions or sold by dealers for $500-750. There is an incomplete
safety and cartridge size example for sale online today for $369.
8mm Flobert.

46 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles