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CONFEDERATE LEECH & RIGDON STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
CONFEDERATE LEECH & RIGDON STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S

SWORD. Overall length: 37 3/4". Blade length: 31 3/8". This nice example of a Confederate staff & field officer’s sword was made by Leech & Rigdon of Memphis, TN. The firm produced swords for the Confederacy at Memphis until May of 1862 when Memphis fell to Union forces. Leech & Rigdon, as well as other arms manufacturers in Memphis, fled to Columbus, Mississippi where they remained until early in 1863 when they again relocated to Greensboro, Georgia. In early 1864, the partnership between Thomas Leech & Charles Rigdon was dissolved. This example features a plain blade with a wide, unstopped fuller. The original washer appears to be in place. Gilded brass hilt. The guard shows the letters “CS” surrounded by foliate motifs. Lg. drop down quillon that is plain on both sides with feathering top & bottom. Knuckle bow has plain lineal decoration until it reaches the pommel where it has sm. foliate embellishments. Plain undecorated pommel. Exceptionally well executed replacement grip made of original tarred canvas material & wrapped with what appears to be the original wire. Scabbard is not original to the sword but is of the period. It was likely replaced during its useful life with another similar scabbard that fit adequately. CONDITION: blade has a dark mottled patina & shows only the most minor scattered chipping to the edge. Hilt remains strong & retains traces of its original gilding. Grip shows light wear overall. Scabbard mounts have a light, mustard patina. Scabbard body remains quite strong showing only minimal crazing. (02-16591/BF). $7,000-9,000.