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CONFEDERATE STATES MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS CAVALRY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 9,500.00 USD
CONFEDERATE STATES MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS CAVALRY
SABER BY THOMAS LEECH. Overall length: 43". Blade length: 34 1/4". A fine example of a scarce Confederate cavalry saber produced by Thomas Leech of the Memphis Novelty Works likely in late 1861 or 1862. Blade has a single unstopped fuller & the original leather pad is still intact. The brass hilt is void of ornamentation & the underside of the guard is not contoured. This was an obvious cost & time saving measure. The top of the handguard is stamped on the outside front edge, “MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS”. The sword has a classic Confederate oil cloth grip wrapped w/ brass wire. The iron scabbard has an exposed seam that can be seen throughout its entire length. The drag & the suspension rings are iron but the throat & the ring mounts are brass. During the war, Thomas Leech is known to have produced arms in 3 different locations, but his location in Memphis, TN was his earliest endeavor. At the onset of the war the cotton broker & part time gun dealer formed a partnership to produce arms for the Confederacy. In March of 1862 he formed a partnership w/ Charles Rigdon & founded 2 factories in Columbus, MS. He moved his entire operation to Columbus when northern troops threatened Memphis. CONDITION: blade has a medium gray cleaned finish. The brass hilt has a wonderful, rich mustard patina. The grip shows light wear. The scabbard is in excellent condition showing no dents of damage & enjoys a wonderful early patina. (02-15048/BF). $8,000-9,500.