4213 CONFEDERATE "FLOATING CS" STAFF & FIELD OFFICER'S

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 11 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 6,000.00 USD
Estimated at 12,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
SWORD MADE BY THOMAS LEECH, MEMPHIS, TN. 30" meaty, .32" thick unfullered blade, "CS" cast into decorated branched hilt, classic Leech undecorated sculpted pommel cap. Bill Albaugh in his early iconic texts made no attribution as to maker of this unique pattern. Recent scholarship attributes this sword to Thomas Leech & Co who produced swords in Memphis, Tennessee then later in partnership with Charles Rigdon in Columbus, Mississippi and lastly in Greensboro, Georgia. This sword has characteristics of the earliest Thomas Leech Memphis Novelty Works swords & bowie knives with cord wrapped grip which is not seen on his swords after 1862. Leech made two variants of this sword, with the orientation of the "floating CS" the most discernible difference. This sword is nearly identical to the sword carried by Confederate General "Jo" Shelby, and is shown as Figure 31D in Albaugh's "Photographic Supplement of Confederate Swords". The accompanying scabbard fits very well protecting blade which still has some original polish & luster. This is a beautiful survivor in fine overall condition. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of page from Gary Hendershott catalog #131, 2005 when sold to consignor, "ex-Donald Tharpe Collection". CONDITION: very good overall, blade is superior & smooth gray/white with staining. Hilt & scabbard mounts have similar brass patina, small unnoticed crack in knucklebow unaffecting aesthetic. Grip has complete leather & twisted wire wrap with a few small areas of exposed cord from leather wear. The accompanying scabbard is brass mounted and fits well. The scabbard is not a product of Leech but is in matching condition and blade must have been in scabbard most of its life as better than most survivors. PROVENANCE: Lifelong collection of Richard A. Baumann. (02-23354/JS). NON-GUN. $12,000-16,000.