2248
CONFEDERATE "LEECH & RIDGON" FOOT OFFICER'S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. ERNEST PORTIS, 42ND ALABAMA.
Currency:USD
Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory
Start Price:18,750.00 USD
Estimated At:37,500.00 - 47,500.00 USD
SOLD
35,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2013 Oct 15 @ 13:15UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Did you win this lot?
A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
This classic pattern foot officer's sword with "CS" cast in guard was most likely made by Leech & Ridgon in Columbus, Mississippi while Lt. Portis was stationed in Columbus between June and September of 1862. Portis no doubt had this sword when he, along with other members of the 42nd and the 2nd Texas, assaulted Ft. Robinett at the Battle of Corinth, taking 50% casualties, where Portis was wounded. Portis returned to service after his wounding and stayed in the service in various capacities. He was captured in April 1865 at Claiborne, Alabama. Portis survived the war and worked as a physician until his death in 1903. A large portfolio accompanies this sword detailing Portis' history and further provenance on this sword. Portis lead quite an interesting life after serving in his father's regiment. His post war history is just as interesting and intriguing with his time as a physician and his romances in the deep South. Portis was buried on his property in Vancleave, Mississippi. Very rare are Leech & Ridgon with fully etched blades such as this. Recent information has shown that Jacob Faser was working in Columbus, Mississippi in this time frame and no doubt was the finest etcher and sword detailer in the Confederacy. Most of the handful of fully etched Leech & Ridgon swords seem to be generated in this time frame in Columbus, Mississippi. This sword in our opinion is the finest example of a Leech & Ridgon foot officer's sword known, especially with such provenance and condition. PROVENANCE: Lt. E.A. Portis, John Hammer, James C. Harris. CONDITION: Fine overall, 29" blade is gray/white overall, retaining much of its orig luster with scattered areas of staining. 16" etched floral patterns contain a 5" panel "LIEUt. ERNEST PORTIS 42 ALA. REGT". Brass hilt, scabbard mounts retain a smooth well patina surface. Leather grip is complete with most of its orig luster. Twisted brass wire wrap is also complete and tight. Scabbard body is sound and solid though ring mounts are all loose from apparent shrinkage of orig leather scabbard. Scabbard mounts have a classic pedestal ring mount and scalloped edges unique to this manufacturer. 8-76342 JS236
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 11-13, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., October 14, 15 & 16, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
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CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE: We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person, since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 45 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 45 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 45 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us within 45 days after the auction.
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C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in a refund in sale price, adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
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15. LEGAL DISPUTE: Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
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