Confederate Tennessee clip-point knife. Memphis: Memphis Novelty Works/Leech & Rigdon, ca. 1861. Approx. 20 in., blade approx. 15 1/2 in. 

Previously sold at Morphy Auctions (see Lot #2476). As seen in Confederate Bowie Knives by Jack Melton. 

A fine example of a Bowie knife produced by Leech & Rigdon. The blade has a dark patina with a slight curved tip and pitting throughout. The leather washer below the ricasso remains in place atop the brass guard, which has a slight tilt and crack to it. The original leather grip has started to wear, but the wire encircling it remains in place. Notice the pommel caps are not cut out for the sword knuckle bow — these pommels were made specifically for fighting knives. A rare example of a Confederate Bowie knife. 

When Memphis fell to the Union at the beginning of the Civil War, Thomas Leech and Charles Rigdon moved to Columbus, Mississippi, in 1862 to continue producing militaria for the Confederacy. Famously known for making revolvers, Leech & Rigdon remained together until 1864. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Cutlass, Cutlasses, Blades]