3003

RARE EARLY GREENSBORO GEORGIA CONFEDERATE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
RARE EARLY GREENSBORO GEORGIA CONFEDERATE

GOVERNMENT CONTRACT LEECH & RIGDON REVOLVER. Cal. 36. S# 507. This is a fine 100% original, authentic and complete “LEECH & RIGDON CSA” marked Confederate revolver. This manufacturer had a colorful history starting their manufacturing operations in Memphis, Tennessee, being chased by advancing Union troops moving first to Columbus, Mississippi & then to Greensboro, Georgia, where this gun was made in 1863. Leech & Rigdon had a contract w/ the Confederate Government for the manufacture of 1500 revolvers at Greensboro, they only completed about 1000 of that contract, serial numbers about 500-1500. “Records from the Augusta Arsenal indicate that from September of 1863 to March of 1864, some 903 revolvers were received from Leech & Rigdon, 814 of which were issued. SN 507, was no doubt, one of the 814 issued”. This gun is well above average for Confederate primary revolver, w/ matching serial numbers throughout and especially crisp maker’s mark and “CSA” surcharge as seen in photos. Inspection marks “N” stamped on both sides of trigger bow, “*” stamped on left rear of trigger guard. Accompanied by well fit Confederate military-style flap holster.
CONDITION: overall very good to fine for a surviving Confederate revolver w/ crisp edges, iron has overall gray patina with scattered small dings, dents and areas of fine pitting, brass has a light to medium mustard patina. Moderate holster wear to muzzle. Matching S#'s are found on bbl., frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cyl., loading assembly, loading lever catch, cyl. pin & wedge. Original grips are well fit with hand worn patina, moderate edge wear and chips to both toes on left side. Mechanically functional w/ crisp well defined rifled bore. Holster is sound & complete w/ loose stitching for about 2-3" below finial, crazed, belt loop is old restoration. PROVENANCE: J. W. Bates collection 1950; Tom Keilman auction of Joe. W. Bates collection, lot 154 Austin, TX, November 1, 1975; Bob Owens collection, Cypress, TX; Buddy Bass 1987; estate collection of John Evasius 2000. (01-19412/JS). ANTIQUE. $20,000-25,000.