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VERY RARE & UNIQUE LEECH & RIGDON, MEMPHIS NOVELTY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
VERY RARE & UNIQUE LEECH & RIGDON, MEMPHIS NOVELTY

WORKS CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER. 33" Unstopped fuller blade engraved in script on top edge "LEECH & RIGDON. NOVELTY WORKS MEMPHIS, TENN. CS”. Hilt has rococo clam shell in relief on quillon and continued rococo relief decoration to each branch. Leech & Rigdon sabers have cord under leather grips unlike any other Confederate maker. Sword has oral ID to Lt. Latham, 4th Mississippi Cavalry (not researched). This is only example I am aware with this marking. There are a few other Leech cavalry officers with “Novelty Works” stamped into hilt of this same pattern. CONDITION: blade is very good & gray patina, light pitting around ricasso, marking is discernible though only “ch” in “Leech” can be read. Hilt has olive/dark mustard patina. Sword has been repeened, grip is most likely rewrapped but well done in correct style with cord wrapped wood under leather & wire. The solid brass scabbard has replaced throat, has been crushed below 2nd ring mount, restored and poorly repatinaed with pitted and discolored lower section. (02-16645/JS). $8,000-12,000.