GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
VERY RARE MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS STRAIGHT BLADED ENLISTED CAVALRY SABER.You are bidding on a rare variant cavalry saber with massive 36-3/4″ double-edged straight blade. This sword is the 2nd largest of Confederate fighting swords. Only the straight bladed cavalry sabers made by Kraft, Goldschmidt & Kraft for Wade Hampton's men is larger, like the officer's example sold also in this sale. This example, like the standard sabers, is marked with three lines on top of hilt "MEMPHIS / NOVELTY WORKS / THOS LEECH & CO." This is possibly the finest of no more than a handful of examples known with a bright lustrous blade. SIZE: CONDITION: Blade is white/bright with scattered areas of staining and pitting. The leather grip is almost totally intact with only wear to a few high spots, showing the unique Leech cord construction only noted by this particular manufacturer of Confederate swords. The thin, twisted copper wire has old repair, but appears complete and is tightly fitted. Brass hilt and pommel retain much of an old gilted surface with balance chocolate brown patina. Markings are discernible, but typically only partially struck as can be seen in photos. Brass scabbard mounts are cleaned with scattered scratches and staining, light mustard patina. Lap seamed scabbard body is brown with heavy iron patina. 51574-2 JS (10,000-15,000)