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

72248

PRESENTATION GRADE CONFEDERATE LEECH AND RIGDON

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:21,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
PRESENTATION GRADE CONFEDERATE LEECH AND RIGDON
<B>PRESENTATION GRADE CONFEDERATE LEECH AND RIGDON CONFEDERATE STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD AND SCABBARD WITH ETCHED INSCRIPTION ON THE BLADE TO LIEUTENANT JAMES B. CONNER CO. K 5TH FLORIDA INFANTRY</B></I>. This is the very rare extra branch Leech and Rigdon staff officer’s sword with only six known and recorded specimens. The very light factory etched blade has an unstopped fuller and incorporates an ornate floral design with a gothic CSA and patriotic shield along with the etched inscription “Lieut. Jas. B. Conner”. James B. Conner was mustered into company K 5th Florida Infantry as a corporal on Feb. 20, 1862 and promoted to lieutenant March 23, 1863. He served with the 5th Florida, with several absences due to illness, until his capture at Sailor’s creek, April 4, 1865. He was held at Johnson’s Island until his release on oath of allegiance on June 18, 1865. The 5th Florida was part of the Florida Brigade of Mahone’s Division, A. P. Hill’s Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. This rare sword has a brass hilt with an additional outward branch that actually curls around behind the knuckle bow. Hilt rather crudely cast and finished with decoration on the front and back of the guard, which includes ‘CS’ on oval panel. Crudely cast decoration also on the pommel cap. The knuckle bow is pinned to the pommel. Original brown leather grip and twisted brass bare wrap. The most unusual feature of this sword is the iron scabbard which utilizes brass mounts that are hand cut and pierced with ornate cut outs. This is the exact sword that was featured on the Antiques Road Show from Dallas, TX. In 1997 and was purchased from direct lineal descendants of Conner. A very rare Leech & Rigdon with the added interest of a factory etched inscription and a unique presentation grade scabbard, in very desirable condition. <BR><BR><B>Condition:</B></I> The blade is smooth and dark gray with just some light scattered pitting near the tip. Brass hilt perfect, retaining the original leather washer, grip perfect and untouched with tight wire wrap. Iron scabbard with most of, what appears to be, the original blue finish, with just some light scattered surface rust and an old coat of lacquer. Surface also visible through the piercing of the scabbard mounts. No dents and nice honest wear on the bottom of the drag. All brass was lightly and expertly cleaned to remove dark green vertigis that covered most surfaces. Looks very nice and still retains an even patina.<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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