Confederate cavalry saber. Memphis, [Tennessee]: Thomas Leech & c[o], 1861-1862. Blade approx. 35 7/8 in. Overall 42 3/4 in. long.

This sword evidences remarkable craftsmanship and remains in fine condition. The blade and guard both present dark patinas, though the interior of the guard is markedly cleaner. The grip is of russet leather with 15 wraps of braided copper wire. Contrary to many Confederate examples, the lapped seam to the scabbard is largely inconspicuous and located at its underside.  There is some verdigris to both the scabbard drag and the copper wire to the grip. One of the branching knucklebones is separated at the branch but remains soundly connected to the guard. 

A stamp to the interior of the guard reads as follows: "Memphis / Novelty Wor[ks] / Thos Leech & C". Leech, a wealthy cotton broker prior to the war, began to produce weapons for the Confederacy in the fall of 1861. By the spring of 1862, Leech was doing business with Charles Rigdon (d. 1866), and the duo would flee Memphis to avoid the advancing Federal forces in May. The stamps indicate that this sword was produced prior to Leech and Rigdon's partnership. 

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, Blades]