3066

GREENSBORO GEORGIA MANUFACTURED CONFEDERATE LEECH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
GREENSBORO GEORGIA MANUFACTURED CONFEDERATE LEECH
& RIGDON REVOLVER. Cal. 36. S# 825. Bbl. 7 3/8" rnd. The firm of Leech & Rigdon, whose principal Thomas Leech made arms in Memphis Tennessee as “Memphis Novelty Works”. He was best known for manufacturing edged weapons but with the addition of Charles Rigdon, St. Louis gunsmith to the firm, revolvers were manufactured in 1862 in Columbus Mississippi. The very first guns, were marked “Leech & Rigdon Novelty Works”. Later production revolvers only marked “Leech & Rigdon”, and after government contract; “Leech & Rigdon CSA”. This firm made about 1500 revolvers of several configurations. This was one of the last guns made under 1st government contract of 500 guns in Greensboro, Georgia where the firm had moved after Columbus, Mississippi was not safe from Union incursion. 2 Enlightening articles written by Leech & Rigdon scholars, Ted Meredith and Kent Wall were published By the American Society of Collectors in bulletins in 1995 and 2010 respectively, can be viewed in online link, giving excellent history of the firm and its manufacture. About 120 revolvers were known to survived at the time of the Meredith article. A more up-to-date list shows 167 survivors, though many are very poor condition. This example in standard configuration with 7 3/8" round barrel was made late in 1863 before the move to Augusta, Georgia in December 1863. The barrel marking: “LEECH & RIGDON CSA” is much better than average, broken dies in several letters prompted early writers to publish “BEECH & RIGDON” as the 1st part of the die is usually very difficult to read, but not on this example. CONDITION: good overall, appears all original and matching with minor restoration. Markings all discernible, makers marking and “CSA” inspection on top barrel flat all discernible and better than average. Serial numbers all discernible though weak on cylinder. Cryptic inspection marking of 4 dots in cross is crisp and found at front base of trigger bow. Matching serial numbers are found on barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, and loading lever arm. Wedge, loading lever catch, and arbor are old restorations and not numbered. Grips are original with hand worn patina and glued crack repair on left side. Trigger guard and wedge screws appear restored, but others including frame screws all appear original. Revolver is slightly loose between frame and barrel housing. Iron is a mottled gray overall with pitting. Brass is a medium mustard patina. Mechanically functional though cylinder does not lineup perfectly every time cocked. Good discernible rifled bore with pitting. PROVENANCE: Dave Mark, Linthicum, MD 1986; Gary Evans collection, Jacksonville, FL. (01-18868/JS). ANTIQUE. $15,000-18,000.