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

72246

Finest CSA Officer's Field & Staff Sword Extant

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:70,000.00 USD Estimated At:90,000.00 - 100,000.00 USD
Finest CSA Officer's Field & Staff Sword Extant
<B>THE FINEST LEECH AND RIGDON CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD AND SCABBARD KNOWN TO EXIST</B></I>. The very best for both quality and condition, nothing short of remarkable. Thomas Leech and Charles H. Rigdon formed the Memphis Novelty Works , in Memphis, Tennessee, early in the war, initially concentrating on the manufacture of swords. In May 1862 the firm moved to Columbus, Mississippi, shifting their efforts primarily to the production of revolvers and, in 1864, the partnership was dissolved. This sword is well beyond the standard normally associated with this firm and was clearly the result of a special order. The brass hilt shows a touch of the crudeness normally associated with these swords but exhibits superior finish. The knuckle bow incorporates a brass pin where it attaches to the pommel. The pommel cap is cast with the characteristic oval motif on the face. Black leather covered grip with tightly twisted brass wire. Retains the original leather washer. The unique and striking scabbard is fabricated entirely of silver and is nothing short of extraordinary. Scallop edged brass mounts exquisitely hand engraved with elaborate scroll motifs on a stippled background and edged with shell like scrolls. As finely executed as any contemporary sword of US manufacture. The mounts are obviously executed by the same hand as those which adorn the Patrick Cleburne sword in the DuBose/Atlanta Historical Society Collection and are generally accepted as the work of an Atlanta jeweler. Clearly a sword originally destined for presentation to a general grad Confederate officer. A one time opportunity to own what is doubtless the finest Confederate staff officer’s sword and scabbard known, absolutely unrivaled.<BR><BR><B>Condition</B></I>: The sword is overall, in simple terms, mint, with virtually no down side. None better.<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><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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