LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Civil War Auction #674  / 

72247

CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S FIELD AND STAFF SWORD WITH

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S FIELD AND STAFF SWORD WITH
<B>RARE CONFEDERATE LEECH & RIGDON ‘EXTRA BRANCH’ STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD AND SCABBARD</B></I>. Definitely one of the rarest of the Leech & Rigdon patterns with only a handful known, this being and exceptional specimen. Thomas Leech and Charles Rigdon formed the Memphis Novelty works in 1861 and by May 1862 had moved to Columbus, Mississippi. Although better known for their navy pattern revolvers they were also prolific producers of edged weapons. The firm was dissolved in December of 1863. The brass hilt uses a single outward branch that curls around to the back of the knuckle bow. The half basket is cast with pierced floral designs. The inboard side of the guard , on the top, has a large “CS” inside of an oval with sprigs of leaves and berries on either side, all integrally cast. The pommel cap is rather crudely cast with laurel leaves. The grip is polished wood with twisted brass wire wrap. The knuckle bow is slotted for a sword knot. The underside of the guard is cast with a leaf like decoration radiating from the blade. The sword retains the original thin leather washer. The 30 ¼” deeply curved blade has an unstopped fuller which terminates 6” from the tip and 1” from the guard. The blade is etched for 2/3 of its length with floral/scroll decoration and a fancy script “CSA” in the center of the reverse. The original iron scabbard has unengraved mounts with scalloped edges and brass carrying rings. The flat brass throat is brazed to the top mount. A rare Confederate sword with graphically striking Confederate motifs in wonderful condition.<BR><BR><B>CONDITION: </B></I>Brass hilt with nice medium patina, grip and wire excellent with just a few tiny chips at the base of the grip. The blade has some scattered patches of light pitting, the balance a light gray. The etching shows wear but is very good. The iron scabbard is dark and untouched. Brass mounts also with medium patina, just a few tiny wrinkles on the bottom mount, otherwise perfect. Overall really very nice and correct and original in every respect.<BR><BR><B>Provenance:</B></I> <I>The Tharpe Collection Of American Military History</B></I><BR><BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot