Swords & Blades

The Original "MEMPHIS BELLE"!!!!

Killer-Rare, Very Early War Memphis Novelty Works by Thomas Leech & Company CS Cavalry Sword

One of the "Holy Grail" of ALL CS SWORDS...Period

Excellent CRISP Original 3-Line Marking upon Guard!

TIGHT Full Wrap, Copper Wire, Full-Length Blade!

This is the VERY FIRST of the Memphis Novelty Works/Thomas Leech & Company CS cavalry swords I have EVER had the pleasure to own.  WHY?!?  Because they are SO RARE to EVER SEE.  So few survived, given that Memphis fell so early in the War (early 1862 after Forts Donelson & Henry in February, 1862), and what few surviving specimens there are out there are HELD FIRM by their owners.  Only VERY FEW MUSEUMS even HAVE ONE OF THESE!  And when I did get a chance to even HOLD ONE....the price was just OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD!  However, given our current economic situation, a very few (and sadly reluctant) owners of these have let a FEW go to the market.

This supremely rare, supremely BEAUTIFUL specimen is a CLASSIC example of these early swords made by Thomas Leech & Company, who before the War operated "Memphis Novelty Works"...literally producing "novelty" items of all sorts out of their Memphis shop and operations.  Once War and Tennessee's secession came in early 1861, they quickly were begged to produce ANY accouterments, weapons, etc, to help arm the THOUSANDS of un-armed, "green" raw recruits of Tennessee.  They quickly began producing all sorts of militaria--but it is these very early, and so SCARCE today--"MEMPHIS / NOVELTY WORKS / THOs LEECH & CO" marked specimen in the upper-most part of the guard that commands the profound collectability and historical significance today.  The 100% ORIGINAL marking is CRISP and CLEAR--almost as good as the day it was STAMPED.  Since it was stamped upon the curvature of the upper-most part of the brass guard (HIGH copper content, low zinc, because the South had so little zinc to make better quality "brass", thus the "reddish" patina from the copper -content), the "ME" in "MEMPHIS" looks like it's worn--but it's NOT.  Try stamping a flat gang-stamp on a concave/curved surface, and you'll see what I mean!  The "NOVELTY WORKS" and the "THOs LEECH & CO" are QUITE VIVID, with only minor wear!  And even better still, the entire piece is TRULY GORGEOUS in EVERY FACET!  A true CONFEDERATE BEAUTY--the ORIGINAL "Memphis Belle"!  The painted-canvas cloth wrap (so typical of Southern construction, given the great quantity of cotton available, but needing the scarcer leather for cavalry/artillery equipage, etc), bears only the MOST MINOR WEAR--one of the BEST I've ever seen.  And like the wire---she's TIGHT!  The correct and again classic CS all-copper-twine wire is fantastic.  And if it ain't original--it was re-wired LONG AGO.  It's hard to tell, since SO FEW are INTACT today to judge against!  But it's clearly OLD, and the CORRECT all-copper twine wire.  All the high copper content brass has the most scrumptious, untouched for 150 years patina, as does the BLADE!  Again, classic CS "un-stopped fuller", FULL-LENGTH (right at 34" long) and NO ACTIVE OXIDATION, NO SHARPENING--just a slick, smokey-grey patina over the blade....just the way we LOVE 'EM!  It bears only the archetypical CS crude forging/finishing traits (these guys were used to making "novelty" items--NOT SWORDS or other weapons of war!  But they sure did a GREAT JOB in turning their manufacturing over so quickly, and so DESPERATELY).  Obviously, based upon the condition of this specimen, it (thankfully) did NOT see a LOT of action.  Enough minor wear in spots that PROVES is was issued (and by God, THEY WERE ALL ISSUED, for they were so DESPERATELY NEEDED--just read the accounts of the officer's in the field in 1861/early 1862, as well as from Tennessee's Governor!),  but whoever the trooper was that got this one clearly didn't drag this sword through all 4 years of HEAVY COMBAT.  And perhaps an Officer/"desk-jockey" got it.  Who knows...and WHO CARES, so long as it's such a complete beauty as THIS!!!  I'll let ALL the MANY FINE PICTURES BELOW do all the selling and talking for me!  All I did to it when I received it was clean it with Kramer's all-natural, no petro-chemical cleaner (the wire/wrap were dusty!) and then a light coating of the world's best--"By Order of Her Majesty" the Queen on England, "Renaissance Crystalline Wax".  Just look at this MEMPHIS BELLE!

The Memphis Novelty Works would soon be completely abandoned in front of the oncoming Federals in very early 1862, moving into Mississippi, and later into Georgia--always trying to stay ONE-STEP AHEAD of the advancing Federal Armies!  They quickly dropped the "Memphis Novelty Works" name upon leaving Memphis, and adopted the "Leech & Rigdon" name that we all are so familiar with.

Beat this condition, rarity, and price.  And if you want THE scabbard for this, my buddy has one for sale.  Only around $3000 for the SCABBARD!!!!  And that's CHEAP!!!

$4298

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Sgt. Frank Myers, 98th New York Infantry, Name Etched Into Blade, NCO Complete Sword & Rig

Wounded Sept. 1864 at Chaffin's Farm, VA

Then was Promoted from Corporal to Sergeant

EXCELLENT, CRISP Blade Etching "Frank D Myers" & on other side "Teddy" in Gorgeous Old English Font

Spectacular Condition Specimen, from the "Rope" Handle Design, Guard, SUPER-FINE Blade, 100% VIVID "HORSTMANN PHILADELPHIA" Maker-Mark

Though a "good ol' Rebel" I am, my ancestry literally fought "brother-against-brother" in the KY/TN/VA mountain region.  And it is ID'ed Federal pieces like THIS--a PROUD, PATRIOTIC, HARD-FIGHTING for FOUR YEARS, NEW YORK Sergeant's Non-Commissioned Officer's complete sword and rig--that I proudly pay my honor to my own blood-kin who "wore the blue".  This absolutely 100% ORIGINAL, UNTOUCHED, COMPLETE, & GORGEOUS ID'ed etched-in-the-blade (on both sides) Horstmann of Philadelphia made NCO sword, scabbard, and belt frog.  NO DAMAGE...NO REPAIRS...NOT a single DING on the blade....NO SHARPENING...NO CLEANING to the blade.  The "rope" handle design is spectacular, as is the entire rig.  The leather is solidly intact, from the scabbard to the belt frog.  Even the red felt original throat liner is intact!  The Horstmann maker-marking is a CRISP as the DAY IT WAS MADE. So too is Sgt. Frank D. Myers personalized etching of "Frank D. Myers" on one side of the blade, and his nickname/affectionate name of "Teddy" on the other---all in the most GORGEOUS, CRISP "Old English" font.

When I purchased this from Brian Akins, he had already done the research for me--but I ALWAYS DOUBLE....TRIPLE CHECK!  There are NO "Frank D Myers" (or even if you think the "D" is an "S" in the etching), there are only 5 "Frank Myers" who fought in the War, and NO "Frank D (or S) Myers" in the 1860 census!  Thus it was EASY to find which Frank Myers it was--THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS A NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER!!!   And that is Frank Myers of Company E (then H) of the 98th New York VOLUNTEER Regiment.  And New York regiments of VOLUNTEERS made DARN SURE of that designation of being "VOLUNTEERS" versus the "conscripted".  And young Private Frank Myers was an EAGAR, EARLY, PATRIOTIC VOLUNTEER, enlisting on November 2nd, 1861.  He and his regiment would get "right down to business"--fighting right off the bat in the Peninsular Campaign, from Yorktown, Williamsburg...all the way through all the battles including Malvern Hill.  Then they would be sent into the Carolina's, manning forts, maneuvering and fighting in expeditions into the Carolina inlands, only to be returned back to Grant's meat-grinding, once-and-for-all "On To Richmond" 1864 campaign.  Private Myers would be promoted to Corporal along the way, and then be wounded in the fighting on September 29th, 1864, at Chaffin's Farm, Virginia.  After recovering, he was once again promoted to full Sergeant, and be a part of the unit's special service for Lincoln's election that the unit participated in!  They would then man the trenches before Richmond, and then occupy the fallen city as Lee and all following Confederate armies finally faced their bitter end.  Sgt. Frank Myers even was given an un-official/"honorary" promotion to Lieutenant on April 3rd, 1865--he CLEARLY must have been a very good soldier, leader, and brave man to the men in the 98th!  (His Lieutenancy was NEVER mustered as official, and even in his pension records, he didn't claim the Lieutenant's honorary rank, as seen in the documentation below).

If you're gonna get THE BEST of the BEST....Champion Hill Relics is the place to come!  And this historic, ID'ed New York Sergeant's

$798  Sale Pending

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Beautiful CS Short Artilleryman's Sword

Solid, Intact, Classic CS-Made Specimen

Coming FRESH Out Of Tennessee!

A BEAUTIFUL, FRESH-TO-MARKET, exclusively Confederate wartime produced Short Artilleryman's Sword, modeled after the US Model 1832 Artillery Short Sword--which was a direct copy of the French Model 1831!  Got this one on consignment from my buddy in Tennessee while at the Franklin show.  Clearly, the French (and then we) based this sword's design on a very sound, tried, and true-tested fighting sword--the Roman "Gladiator" sword.  But what both the French, US, and CS soldiers all found-out alike is that they proved to be far more useful as cutting/utilitarian tools in camp than they ever would be in actual combat!  The French nick-named them "cabbage-cutters," since that was all they were about good for!  They were heavy at the sides of the gunners, and again, rarely did the gunners worry about standing at the wheels to fight-off cavalrymen or infantrymen with much more deadly and longer weapons!  Thus, both the US and CS would quickly stop producing them, and often are found by relic hunters discarded in campsites, or altered into shorter fighting knives, and even tools.  This solid, beautiful unmarked CS Artillery Short Sword bears all the classic CS exclusive manufacture traits of the crudely sand-casted "feathered" hand grip handle, style of pommel cap, and the typical CS crudely machined circular ends of the "T" guard..  The brass is absolutely GORGEOUS, with NO DAMAGE to the handle or GORGEOUS blade and it's sweet patina!  The also cruder-finished classic southern quality of finish to the TIGHT 18.5" full-length blade with "blood groove" down the middle is undamaged, unsharpened (at least not in the last 100 years or more!) and unrepaired blade.  The total length of this Southern beauty is just over 2 feet long--longer than your typical specimens!  Only a couple expected in-the-field, actual usage nicks on the blade, and the bending on the "T" guard--and THAT IS IT!  The "T" handle only proves that this short sword came in quite handy as a tool, as the "T" ends are slightly bent backward.  It doesn't take too much to make soft metal--in this case, the brass handle--to move.  Clearly, the artilleryman found a much more useful purpose for the sword as a tool than to thrust it at Yankee's!

And we save the best for last!  THE PRICE!!

$1598  Sale Pending

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THE FINEST of the Confederate FINE!

Ultra-Rare Leech & Rigdon "CS" in Guard, Etched Blade, Confederate Field & Staff Officer's Sword & Scabbard

A Truly "Museum-Quality" Original Specimen

It's really sad to see how the economy has really hurt people--and no "closer to home" than when you are able to acquire such MAGNIFICENT, ULTRA-RARE Confederate pieces such as this...but at prices where the seller "needs the CASH NOW!"  Bad for them...but good for YOU!  This particular specimen originally came through my great friend, Mr. David LaSlavic of "Arizona Swords"--yes, THE CS SWORD GURU dealer--you can even see in his "previously sold" section THIS VERY SPECIMEN!  This stunning original beauty, produced by what was the once pre-war "Memphis Novelty Works", but becoming simply the "Leech & Rigdon" company during the heart of the War, as the two owners had to move their operations from state-to-state to avoid the oncoming Federals, is yet again a "Holy Grail" in the Confederate sword-collecting world.  And to find one THIS COMPLETE--THIS QUALITY, having the original wire and wrap 100% INTACT, the original scabbard INTACT and in incredible condition...I simply COULDN'T RESIST!  It is clearly one of the FINEST of these models of swords produced by Leech & Rigdon I have EVER SEEN!!!!  These encircled "CS" Field & Staff Officer models are unworldly rare to find EVER!  The beautiful brass on both the sword and the scabbard are stunningly beautiful.  The CLASSICALLY-CRUDE sand-casting of the guard (a floral motif, in the style of the US Model Foot Officer's Sword) is so "deliciously" CONFEDERATE!  YES--the ORIGINAL WIRE AND WRAP are 100% INTACT.  YES--the 29.5 long blade is entirely NICK-FREE...not even a "flea-bite"!!!!  It has the un-stopped blood-groove coming into the wrist, the fuller is the short-clipped by the ricasso, and the actual blade edge towards the ricasso is un-sharpened/flat for the first 7" or so--ALL of the "CS" Field & Staff model attributes.  The blade patina is a "smoky", yet still some of the original "polished" sheen to it from where you can see the faded blade etching.  The ONLY THING that has been done to this piece is that the brass throat to the scabbard came-off (the tiny pin that affixed it to the leather scabbard itself fell-out), so the throat had to be re-set with leather glue.  That's it!  You can't find ANY other facet that truly isn't mind-blowing about this killer specimen!  Even the original sword hanger rings are PRESENT!!!  The leather scabbard seem is 100% INTACT as well, and only a minor area where it "wrinkled" near the bottom by the drag--but ONLY a wrinkle---no weak spot in the leather scabbard AT ALL.  All that I had to do to the sword was use the other "museum-quality" (literally!) RENAISSANCE WAX, made truly--as it states--"By order of Her Majesty", the QUEEN of ENGLAND!--British-made crystalline wax that is used not only by EVERY British Museum on all things metal, wood, leather, etc, but literally made BY ORDER OF THE QUEEN HERSELF for use in preserving, enriching, and beautifying all Royal antiquities!

Find one BETTER for LESS!  Hit the auctions, and they won't even begin the bidding except at $15,000!!!!

$8598  Sale Pending/Layaway

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SUPERB 11" Patriotic Rebel STICKER!!!

"Liberty & Union" Patriotic US Fighting Knife made by "Samuel C. Wragg Celebrated Cultery"

CRISP Markings, Perfect Patriotic Multiple Motifs (Eagles, Shields, Swords, Oak Leaves, etc)

Johnny Reb is rightly-so noted for his "stickers" and "Arkansas Toothpicks", Bowies, D-Guard, etc....but THAT DOESN'T MEAN that BILLY YANK got MEAN with COLD STEEL, TOO!!!  And this overall 11" length SPECTACULAR CONDITION, truly patriotic Union soldier's fighting knife would put the "skeer" in this old Rebel!!!  Produced and sold by Northern retailers, especially at the War's beginning, these "patriotic" Federal fighting knives were actually rather common amongst eager Northerner's who rallied behind the flag.  Bearing the "T" Guard scrollwork motif on both side of "LIBERTY & UNION" with oak leaf wreaths, and the bottom 2-sided Federal Eagle/shield/sword/oak wreaths.  The stag handle is in EXCELLENT condition--as is the ENTIRE piece.  NO DAMAGE--NO REPAIRS--NOTHING MISSING.  And VIVIDLY CLEAR maker's-marking of "SAMUEL C. WRAGG  CELEBRATED CUTLERY", this is a FANTASTIC Federal soldier's representative fighting knife of the HIGHEST condition, quality, and PATRIOTISM!  Not even a "flea-bite" nick on the GORGEOUS blade!  Just BEAUTIFUL!!!

A truly SUPERB specimen in every way.  This one whistles "the Battle Hymn of the Republic" and screams, "TAKE THIS, YOU DAMNED REBEL!"

$575

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SWEET 1862-Dated Mansfield & Lamb M1860 BEAUTY!

CRISP and CLEAR Markings, Excellent Original Scabbard (which bears the matching Inspector's Marking "GGS" as on the saber), GREAT & INTACT Original Wire & Wrap

Definitely one of your RARER-SEEN sword-maker for the ICONIC US Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, this Mansfield & Lamb sword with original scabbard, GORGEOUS specimen--having a NICK-FREE blade with wonderful original finish (NO SHARPENING OR CLEANING!), GREAT and INTACT original WIRE & WRAP, bearing CRISP and CLEAR Mansfield & Lamb maker's-marking on one side of the ricasso, and the "1862  GGS   US" markings upon the other side.  Even most of the original throat washer is STILL  PRESENT!  The pommel cap bears the same matching Mansfield & Lamb inspector's mark of "GGS", clearly seen.  The scabbard has the most PERFECT, UNTOUCHED attic grey/brown patina, with the usual "anti-rattle" dings that the cavalrymen put in them for a tighter fit--and this sword fits absolutely perfectly with the saber.  The saber clearly is original to this sword, as it is a Mansfield & Lamb specimen, bearing the identical inspector's marking of "GGS" seen faintly upon the scabbard drag from the Mansfield & Lamb production facility.  All I've done to it is put some "Her Majesty's Renaissance Microcrystalline Wax" onto the leather wrap to keep it supple and beautiful!

A spectacular example of an early-war sword and scabbard from a far rarer sword-maker!

$798  Sale Pending/Layway

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Extremely Scarce, Stunning Quality & Beauty

Original New Orlean's-Made Blaise Pradel CS Foot Officer's Sword & Scabbard

Pradel's Copy of the US Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword

Coming Directly from Kentucky CS Estate

Original Letter of Sale/Authenticity from Brian Akins

Indeed, little is known about the New Orleans cutler and surgical instrument maker, Mr. Blaise Pradel--native "cajun" of the "Big Easy"--but we know that he produced Officer swords immediately upon the outbreak of the war for the Confederacy.  Not only did he produced copies of the already US Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword (such as this specimen here), but he also produced several unique variations of Officer swords, ranging to some of the most ornate and BEAUTIFUL Field & Staff Officer swords (especially the "CS" and Pelican motif guard "holy grail" of swords!)  He also did subcontracted production work for the equally famous New Orleans Confederate sword-maker, Dufilho, so Pradel's work got around, and his quality is especially noted.  Of course, by very early 1862, New Orleans fell quickly and permanently into Federal hands, thus shutting-off the flow of these EXTREMELY SCARCE and MOST DESIRABLE Confederate Officer Swords!  They barely had a year to produce them!

Coming directly from a southern Kentucky Confederate family's estate just a couple of years ago, Mr. Brian Akins of "Akin's Armory" acquired this sword and scabbard from the family, and his original Letter of Sale/Authenticity is shown below, and shall be provided to the future owner.  The ARCHETYPICAL Pradel construction trait of the crude mold-seemed pommel construction--coupled with the classic "New Orleans hump" or "bulge" in the middle of the grip--are the dead give-a-ways as to this being a Pradel specimen (just as Mr. Akins points out in his letter and his decades of experience with Confederate swords).  The mold seam is as CLEAR AS DAY on this one, as they are on all Pradel specimens.  The 100% ORIGINAL WIRE & WRAP are 100% INTACT!!!!  It is a STUNNING example that clearly was NOT abused during the war.  And you can look at the pommel ping....IT HAS NEVER been taken apart since the day Pradel's craftsmen produced this sword in 1861!  The unstopped fuller and patina on this 31.5" long UNTOUCHED blade--being virtually NICK-FREE....you have to look HARD to find a "flea-bite" on this unsharpened blade--are absolutely beautiful, having a smoky, steely-dark hue.  NO pitting and NO OXIDATION WHATSOEVER.  The gorgeous floral motif--again, a copy of the US M1850 Foot Officer's--is classically higher in quality, as Pradel is noted for, and higher in copper content, as most all CS brass is known to be (with the shortage of zinc within their copper to produce brass).  Even the original throat washer is present!  The original scabbard that came with the blade out of the Kentucky estate fits the blade PERFECTLY, and has VERY ORNATE and VERY HIGH COPPER CONTENT throat, drag, and mounts to the japanned steel scabbard.  Exquisite matching floral motifs adorn the mounts, with fine engraved scrollwork upon the drag and mounts.  SIMPLE SPECTACULAR.  NOTHING is broken....NOTHING has been repaired...and there is NOTHING detracting to this most scarce Blaise Pradel of New Orleans produced Confederate Foot Officer's Sword from a "Bluegrass" Kentucky Confederate's heritage.

If you can find one BETTER and CHEAPER...I'll give you this beauty for FREE...

$3098 Sale Pending/Layaway

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Original Model 1840 "Wristbreaker" Sword & Scabbard

Nice Imported (Unmarked) Sword & Scabbard

Classic Import Specimen, Especially into the Confederacy

100% Complete, Including Original Wire & Wrap!!!

THE TRUE "Sword of the Confederacy"!
 

Indeed, this IS THE "sword of the Confederacy," as they were the most WIDELY used sword of all mounted forces, and even field officers, given the fact that so many were in existence in the South in Southern Arsenals before the War, and so many imported during the War.  This 100% original (including wire and wrap, and even throat washer!), UNTOUCHED specimen is a classic imported, foreign-made copy of our Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Sword, known affectionately at the time by those who carried them as "Wristbreakers"--for they truly were HEAVY blades for the average smaller size (than today) of the men who wielded them back in the mid-19th Century!  They were far more preferred as a true cavalryman's blade because of their massive and thick construction--which meant LETHALITY!  Of all the swords a General of such overwhelming strength, size, and fighting skill--who could have chosen ANY sword he wished to wield--General Nathan Bedford Forrest chose the classic M1840 "Wristbreaker" because of it's lethality.  And if you know your Forrest history, you know he personally killed scores of Yankee's with his sword...UP CLOSE and PERSONAL!  This original specimen offered here is 100% original and complete, having the original wire and wrap--though the complete wire is somewhat loose, and the leather wrap has classic CAN NOT BE FAKED wear from being in the field in service and combat.  The full-length blade has a most nice untouched,, un-pitted and un-cleaned, steely-grey patina--just the way you LOVE IT!  NO DAMAGE...NO REPAIRS ANYWHERE over the entire sword.  Only a couple of tiny "flea-bites" on the unsharpened blade. The sword fits PERFECTLY into it's original scabbard, which also has NO DAMAGE, NO REPAIRS anywhere on the scabbard, and complete with original sword-hanger "O" rings!

It was the most widely used sword in the entire war, ESPECIALLY for the South.  It is truly the ICONIC Southern sword!  A "steal" for this STEEL!  The scabbard alone is worth over $200 these days...

$450  SOLD

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GORGEOUS/"MINTY" CS Cavalryman's Sword

BELIEVED by SOME CS Blade "Experts" as Possibly Being an H. Marshall of Atlanta Specimen, BUT I AM SELLING as just a "Dog River" Example

100% Complete & Intact Copper Wire & Painted Canvas Wrap!  UNTOUCHED & Nick-Free Blade!

Ah yes....once again...you rarely see John Spicer and Champion Hill Relics sell CS blades (like I explained with the D-Guard), because of the level of fakery and trickery....but THIS ONE I stand tall and strong with it in my very hands!  This truly "collector's-grade", "MINTY" even example of your classic Confederate-made Cavalryman's saber is a TRUE BEAUTY, indeed!  I had purchased this piece from Mr. Brian Akins at the last TRUE "Nashville Show" (back in 2009 when it last was at the Nashville Fairgrounds!), and sold it to a collector who is now selling this beauty for financial reasons--a sad tale we all know too well.  When I had this sword out on my table for ALL to view, I received unsolicited praise and "blessings" with the piece--and I even received several OPINIONS that this sword has TRAITS known to the very rare Atlanta sword maker of H. Marshall.  But "opinions" and "traits"--though valuable and should be listened to--does NOT make me comfortable enough to "proclaim" this piece as a Marshall specimen.  Which is why I am simply listing and selling it as a "Dog River" cavalryman's sword.  If someone can later prove beyond a reasonable doubt it is a Marshall product, then you've got a sword worth 3-times what you paid!  To be blunt, there are SO FEW Marshall swords left in existence that this is the reason why people give their "opinions"....you have few remaining examples to compare to!

Regardless, this piece is 100% COMPLETE, with 100% INTACT classic Confederate copper wire and painted-canvas wrap!!!  When first acquired, the wrap was very dusty and dry--almost to the point to where I, as an experienced "preservationist", and PERSONAL FRIEND with the State of Georgia Chief Preservationist for the State, Mr. Josh Headlee, I KNEW I needed to simply use the greatest (arguably) preservation wax known to man: Her Majesty's "Reniassance" micro-crystalline wax polish.  Created and made only in England, this was literally created and used "by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen" as it states atop the can of the product, made and used by the Tower of London and all other British Museums for conservation and preservation.  If it's good enough for the bloody Queen--it's good enough for Johnny Reb!  (LOL!)  Now, with the thin coating of Her Majesty's crystalline wax, the original painted canvas wrap will stay SUPPLE and NOT dry-rot and crack (and I suggest the future owner BUY and USE the wax at least once a year to forever preserve this beauty).  As Brian Akins explained when sold to me at the Nashville Show in 2009, AND when he physically held the piece in his hands at the Dalton show just a couple weeks ago, both he, myself, and again, everyone who beheld the sword, believe the copper wire and wrap to be 100% AUTHENTIC.  Period.  You can call him if you don't believe me!  And when you look at the many photo's below, you will agree that it is in PHENOMENAL condition for a Confederate sword.  Not only the 100% intact copper wire and wrap, but the beautiful patina on the brass 3-tine guard, the original throat washer INTACT, the beautiful, untouched "smoky" grey patina to the UNSHARPENED full-length blade measuring exactly 3 feet long with the classic Confederate un-stopped fuller AND casting flaw by the ricasso.  There are NO NICKS to the blade...no, I am not joking.  If you take a MAGNIFYING GLASS, you may see two or three (literally "microscopic") "flea-bites" as collectors would call them....but again, you'll have to stick the blade next to your EYEBALL to see any blemish worth noticing on the unsharpened blade edge.

No...it really doesn't get any better than this!

$2198  SOLD

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Ultra-Rare Thomas Griswold & Co. of New Orleans, Confederate Cavalryman's Officer Sword

No, your eyes do NOT deceive you!  Not only is any Thomas Griswold-made sword rare already....but the "Holy Grail" of the Griswold swords is always the Cavalry Officer's saber!  Once having a completely brass scabbard, this beautiful sword once was worn PROUDLY by a Confederate Cavalry officer--with a great likelihood of coming straight off of a Louisianan.  At any rate, this specimen was picked-up by me the Friday of the Franklin Show (when Davis was suddenly put into the PICU, and I had to leave the show ASAP).  At the time, the entire wiring and wrap was 100% completely GONE.  The original wood core was left intact, and everything else was just splendid--100% untouched tight blade and that beautiful floral motif upon the tines of the basket with the brass having that beautiful, mellow hue.  I had the museum-quality restorationist Mr. Jeff T. Leathers of Tennessee do an outstanding job of authentically re-wrapping and rewiring the sword back to its original condition (obviously with modern leather and correct wiring).  He made sure to put the right number of "wire-twists" shown on the few known specimens to matcher PERFECTLY.

Sure....we ALL wish the original wire, wrap, and scabbard were with this ultra-rare sword....or better yet, if it had the Griswold maker's-mark....but what do you expect for this price???

$3498  SOLD

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BEAUTIFUL, 100% ORIGINAL & UNTOUCHED CS Foot Officer's Sword

This one Speaks with a "Cajun" Accent!  Clearly a New Orleans Product, as Exhibited by a Multitude of known "New Orleans" Traits

Originally Acquired by Long-Time and Local Legendary NC Collector, Mr. Joe D. Ginn, Jr, of Cherryville, NC

This piece was acquired by me from my good old friend Joe Ginn of Cherryville, North Carolina in the summer of 2008.  Joe had been a collector of Civil War antiquities all of his life, as has his father and many of his family’s friends and his uncle--picking-up some INCREDIBLE "out-of-the-bushes" Confederate items in the state.  When first bought by my local friend in collector at the 2008 October "Bend In The River" Vicksburg Show, the sword was passed around (literally, by my friend Dr. Bill White, who was deciding whether to buy it or not) to several REAL CS SWORD "EXPERTS", who confirmed that there are a multitude of attributes of this 100% original, un-touched/"no monkey-business" and complete officer’s sword which convince me (and him, since he bought it!) and others that it is a product of not only of a sword-maker/retailer in New Orleans, but more specifically possibly that of Thomas, Griswold, and Company (New Orleans, circa 1860-1861), but maybe through a retailer such as Hyde & Goodrich, or perhaps one of the small New Orleans sub-contracted shops in that area.  Given that we KNOW that New Orleans retailers/sword makers were importing French swords (Hyde & Goodrich did so, such as a M1860 French-made Cavalry Officer's sword that my Busche, Louisiana's friend Mr. David Villere's G-G-Uncle bought and had engraved, the "Hyde & Goodrich" marked French M1831 Artillery Sword--with DUG specimens of these French M1831 artillery swords at early-war sites, etc) there is even the remote possibility of the blade itself being an imported blade (another common CS occurrence, such as the N. Derby swords of Nashville, other New Orleans swords, even Mobile, etc), but that the sword on the whole was made and/or assembled within the American South for use within service for the Confederacy.  In short , this specimen displays so many of the classic known “New Orleans” manufactured traits and attributes.  These attributes are as follows: The grip itself is of a highly-curved contour—bulging greatly in the middle, and yet narrowing markedly at the ends...the evident rough and poor quality sand-casting flaws within the cast-brass floral design...the brass is of a high copper content (given that the South had very few natural sources of zinc), and the brass thus has a more reddish hue in the patina...the pommel cap at the top has a very faded or soft casting quality...the blade (spine) thickness itself is very distinct in that it becomes thin (concave) approaching the tip of the blade, but a slight bulging toward the tip...The blade finish itself, as it approaches the blade tip, becomes far rougher in quality...The sharpened edge, as it is clipped at the end for the ricasso, is a strong CS trait seen on known Griswold specimens.  Though there are specimens of Germanic manufactured swords that often mirror some of these attributes and qualities, I (and the inspection of others at the show) firmly believe this piece to be of New Orleans manufacture during 1860-1861 (New Orleans fell quickly in early 1862), and have never seen a German specimen with ALL of these traits within one piece.  You can tell the blade hasn't been re-pinged (where someone would replace the blade with a modern "monkey-business" swith-er-roo), and NO QUESTION the wire and wrap are 100% tight and intact.

A good old Johnny Reb sword, out of the backwoods of North Carolina from my old and dear friend...and priced accordingly, since no one is 100% sure WHO in New Orleans, etc., made/sold this Officers Sword.  And she SURE IS PRETTY at THIS PRICE!

$1998 SOLD

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Exceptionally Rare CS Foot Officer's Sword & Scabbard

Made By Hyde & Goodrich of New Orleans

Legible "HYDE & GOODRICH/NEW ORLEANS" Maker's Marking Upon Ricasso

Gorgeous Wrap, Wire, Scabbard, & Total Display Appearance -- a Centerpiece Item for ANY Collection

From the Bird/Byrd Family Virginia Collection

Indeed, one of the exceptionally rare, HIGHLY collectable, hard-to-find New Orleans-made Hyde & Goodrich Confederate Foot Officer's sword with scabbard.  This comes out of the Loudoun County family collection of the Bird/Byrd family (and their tentacles of marriages within the family from their landing into the Colonies in the 1700's, and how they spelled their name two different ways--"Bird" and "Byrd").  Though we know precisely that James C. Bird was in the in the 24th Virginia Cavalry, it is not known whether this was his sword or not (he had other relatives--cousins--whom also fought, I have their ID'ed items...all coming soon!)  This piece is in extremely gorgeous and complete condition, being truly almost "museum-quality" in its display.  The sword itself is simple gorgeous, having the full-length 29.5" blade, with only the most minor pitting, and the most pleasant mellowed "smokey" gray patina to the blade.  The "HYDE & GOODRICH" maker's-mark, arching over "NEW ORLEANS" on the one side of the ricasso is legible....those magical words you long to find on the ricasso of this classically New Orleans blade.  The basket is the classic floral pattern design, copying the US 1850 Foot Officer's model design, but the handle bears the distinct New Orleans/Hyde & Goodrich classical form of being thin at the ends, but swelled in the middle.  The leather wire and wrap are simply SPECTACULAR, as you will quickly notice in the many fine photo's below!  The brass shows the most beautiful, eye-appealing patina and appearance--as does the entire sword and scabbard.  The scabbard was professionally restored with museum-quality restoration, such as the replacement drag, but the original throat and lower sword hanger are most beautiful.  I have personally done my own leather preservation and enrichment to the leather, such that it will last for the generations to come for all to behold and preserve.  After all, we are merely temporary caretakers of these irreplaceable pieces of history.  Hyde & Goodrich were only able to produce such fine (considered amongst the HIGHEST quality of all CS-produced swords) blades before New Orleans fell to the Federals in early 1862, so very few were made...and fewer still are in existence today--making this one RARE BEAUTY, indeed!

This is the kind of quality, rarity, and SOUTHERN PRIDE that I don't have to do a lot of talking to sell.  I'll let the pictures and it's history do the selling for me.  It shall make a real centerpiece addition to ANY serious collector's display.  After all...can you find another Hyde & Goodrich in scabbard for sale...and anywhere near this price???  YOU CAN'T EVEN BUY "DOG RIVER" SWORDS & SCABBARDS FOR THIS PRICE at THIS QUALITY!

$3998 Layaway

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Arguably Rarest of ALL Southern-Made Swords

The N. Derby of Nashville (Jeweler) Sword & Scabbard

N. Derby Made Swords for both the South, THEN for Union Occupation Forces Throughout The War

Derby Used Clauberg-Imported Swords, Then Produced His Own Unique, Brass-Mounted Scabbards

This is THE ONLY KNOWN SPECIMEN with Matching Numbered Sword Hanger Mounts

Only Handful of Derby Swords Known To Exist!

If you never heard of the N. Derby-made Nashville, Tennessee sword, it's because THEY ARE INDEED THAT RARE!  Only a handful of Derby swords exist, and boy, do they command a PREMIUM when found!  N. Derby was a local Nashville Jeweler who made swords for commercial sale when the war broke-out, importing the high-quality Clauberg of Solingen (still considered the finest international blade/sword maker today) Foot Officer's Sword, and then (typically) removing the Clauberg maker's mark, and replacing with Derby's etched maker's mark.  If you look at Michael Simons' website (item #501), or search through two international auction houses (Heritage and Bonhams), you can view a couple of N. Derby swords previously sold, and get a great idea just how rare and unique these swords are.  The prestigious purveyor, Mr. Michael Simons, had one for sale, being a Clauberg sword where Derby ground the maker's mark off, and etched his retailer mark in its place.  The international auction houses of both Heritage Auction House and Bonhams have had N. Derby's--the Heritage auction specimen still having the Clauberg Solingen proof on one side of the ricasso, while the other side Derby etched his retailer mark.  The specimen from Heritage is IDENTICAL in every way to this specimen--right down to the small brass drag.  Historically, once Fort Donelson fell, the South abandoned Nashville to the Yankee's for their occupation for the rest of the entire war.  Yet, Derby--ever the "capitalist"--continued to sell "military goods" as advertised in the local Nashville paper to anyone who would buy them--which would mean THE YANKEE'S!  So you have the arguably the RAREST and most enigmatic of Southern-made swords with the distinction of being used by both the North AND the SOUTH!  Derby continued as a jeweler long after the war....but few of his very easily distinct Civil War swords remain.  All are the same--a Clauberg Solingen-made and imported Foot Officer's sword, and the hand-made to fit scabbard with brass distinct style drag and brass scabbard hanger mounts.  This specimen does NOT have the Clauberg maker's-mark erased, but doesn't have N. Derby's retailer mark on the other side of the ricasso, either--which makes one believe that this sword was sold in great haste to "get it sold" and Derby to get his money, as he didn't take the time to have the Clauberg mark eradicated, and his maker's-mark etched.  That sounds like selling in DESPERATION...oh, like when the YANKEE'S WERE COMING and General Forrest was in charge of restoring order for the Mayor of Nashville, and how Nathan Bedford Forest took all the machinery and weaponry and anything of use out of Nashville they could carry before the Mayor surrendered the city!  (Look-up the history yourself how Forrest alone organized the city and stripped it of all he could for weapons and equipment and food for Confederate use, and maintain order in the city's panic as the Yankee's approached!  That Forrest...he was truly amazing...)  The sword is 100% original and complete, as is the Derby scabbard, and CLEARLY this sword SAW A LOT OF ACTION based upon the battle/field wear on the rayskin wrap.  The original wire is fully-intact and present.  No damage, repairs, or cleaning has been done to the sword--it is entirely UNTOUCHED and no "monkey-business".  I had this inspected by the TOP Confederate private and local Nashville collector (name withheld for privacy, for obvious reasons, but I can direct the buyer to him upon purchasing), and he not only authenticated and ID'ed this as a Derby specimen, but noted that it was the ONLY ONE he's ever seen with matching numbers stamped on the piece--he had never encountered any Derby swords with numbering of any kind.  He knows more about N. Derby and his swords than anyone...and he's lucky enough to have a couple to actually own out of the few in existence!

If Derby had put his etched maker's-mark on the ricasso, it would cost you THOUSANDS to have this most rare and unique historical sword made in Nashville--used by BOTH SIDES during the war!  As it is, it is still 100% Derby of Nashville-made scabbard with the Clauberg sword he exclusively used for all his sales....and it will only cost you a fraction of the price!  The SCABBARD ALONE IS WORTH THE PRICE FOR EVERYTHING!!!  How's THAT for a BARGAIN!  All that history, ultra-rarity, and value....good luck finding another Derby anytime soon!

$975  Sold

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SWEET CS McElroy-Made Artillery Short Sword

Beautiful Displaying, All-Original Example of the Classic W. J. McElroy of Macon, Georgia Made Specimens

And at a Price You Can Actually Afford!!!!

This is the classic W. J. McElroy of Macon, Georgia, exclusively Confederate wartime produced short Artilleryman's Sword, modeled after the US Model 1832 Artillery Short Sword--which was a direct copy of the French Model 1831!  Clearly, the French (and then we) based this sword's design on a very sound, tried, and true-tested fighting sword--the Roman "Gladiator" sword.  But what both the French, US, and CS soldiers all found-out alike is that they proved to be far more useful as cutting/utilitarian tools in camp than they ever would be in actual combat!  The French nick-named them "cabbage-cutters," since that was all they were about good for!  They were heavy at the sides of the gunners, and again, rarely did the gunners worry about standing at the wheels to fight-off cavalrymen or infantrymen with much more deadly and longer weapons!  Thus, both the US and CS would quickly stop producing them, and often are found by relic hunters discarded in campsites, or altered into shorter fighting knives, and even tools.  The McElroy-made Artillery Short Sword specimens all bear the same classic traits of the "ringed" style of handle, style of pommel cap, and the machined inset of the "T" guard that are solely attributed to McElroy-made specimens.  The brass is absolutely GORGEOUS, with NO DAMAGE to the ringing.  The classically-crude machined-out "T" guard is ever-present, and "whistles Dixie" and a "Rebel Yell" every time you look at it (ha, ha!)  The also cruder-finished classic southern quality of finish to the 17.5" full-length blade is present on the entirely unpitted, undamaged, and unrepaired blade.  Only a couple expected in-the-field, actual usage nicks on the blade, and THAT IS IT!  The "T" handle only proves that this short sword came in quite handy as a tool, as the "T" ends are slightly bent backward.  It doesn't take too much to make soft metal--in this case, the brass handle--to move.  Clearly, the artilleryman found a much more useful purpose for the sword as a tool than to thrust it at Yankee's!

And we save the best for last!  THE PRICE!!

$1598  SOLD

Stern-Faced, Red-Legged Confederate Artilleryman, Proudly Brandishing His CS-MADE Artillery Short Sword

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Beautiful Boyle, Gamble & Macfee CS Foot Officer's Sword

All-Original, Untouched, Uncleaned, Unsharpened, Intact Wire & Wrap

THE Classic Confederate-Made Foot Officer's Sword from the Famous Richmond, Virginia Manufacturer

There isn't a real "collector" alive out there that doesn't have a very soft and warm spot in his heart when it comes to a Confederate-made Foot Officer's sword.  Some "on-the-line" and "in-the-field" Confederate officer bore this steely blade into battle--extolling his men forward into whirlwinds of death and chaos while raising this sword high in the glimmering sunlight of smoke-choked fields across many a bloody plain.  This version of Foot Officer's sword isn't the "fancy", ornate, "hoity-toity" and frilly kind that staff officers--well behind the buzzing bullets and exploding hail of iron from cannon--were issued.  No, this is the the elegantly simple 3-tine basket guard version that your real FIGHTING officers were issued and used....until the very bitter end.  Unlike the plethora of other CS blades out there that you will always have to wonder whether it's been "monkeyed" with or not, it is not so with this one.  It is 100% original, intact, full-length, original wire and wrap, with the most pleasing mellowed CS brass (higher copper content) patina to the handle, and steely-grey appearance to the untouched metal.  The full-length, un-sharpened blade measures exactly 30", with NO damage or nicks, and that almost indescribable BEAUTIFUL untouched dark-gray patina evenly across the entire blade.  Totally UNTOUCHED.  The blade is 100% tight with the grip/handle.  The original leather wrap is present, though obviously shows the MOST MINOR true battlefield and campaign wear and thinning that can only come from a real "war vet" out on the line.  Can't fake that.  And don't want it "perfect," or you'd know it was never drawn in anger and defense of our beloved Southland.  The original wire is firmly intact at both ends, and is totally "righteous" in every aspect.  I've used professional museum leather wax, enricher, and preserver on the wrap to make sure we keep this baby preserved for generations to come.  After all, we really don't "own" these irreplaceable pieces of history.  After we die, they will literally "live on"--outliving us, so-to-speak, and going to another generation for it's story to be told and it's meaning understood and endeared.  We are but mere temporary "caretakers" of these historically priceless relics.

Here's your best shot to own a truly intact, all-original, and classic Boyle, Gamble, & Macfee of Richmond, Virginia Confederate-made Foot Officer's saber---Confederate steel for a "steal!"

$2898  SOLD

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Gorgeous Original RARE Confederate Beauty!

"Type I" Froelich Cavalry Sword & Scabbard

Late 1861 Wilmington, NC Production Specimen

100% Intact Leather Wrap & Brass Wire

Most EXCELLENT Metal, Leather, Blade, Brass, Fantastically Archetypical Crude Lap Mold Seam and Brass Sword Hanger Mounts on Scabbard

Though called in the collecting community as a "Type I Kenansville" heavy cavalry sword & Scabbard, this extremely early-war (late 1861) and rare wartime sword produced by Louis Froelich was actually produced at his first facility in Wilmington, North Carolina--never being made at the later famous Froelich Kenansville, North Carolina facility.  These were clear Confederate copies of the sturdy, reliable, and highly effective in sword-to-sword combat Model 1840 "Wristbreaker" Heavy Cavalry Saber.  As the many fine photo's show below, this specimen is in gorgeous complete original condition and most beautiful appearance.  The 100% intact leather wrap and brass simple wire are COMPLETELY tight, undamaged, unbroken, and solid--just as solid as the blade to the handle...no wobble or damage whatsoever.  Even the unsharpened, un-stopped fuller, full-length 34" blade has NO DAMAGE and NO NICKS to the smooth, dark, steely-gray metal whatsoever.  The Confederate-classic brass sword hanger mounts, and SCREAMING crude lap mold seam running down the entire length of the scabbard are superb.  The sword fits SNUG like a glove with the scabbard, and there is NO DAMAGE or REPAIRS or APOLOGIES whatsoever with the scabbard---NO PITTING or oxidation...and in fact, some of the original red paint has left a feint red hue to the scabbard!!!!  Now THAT tells you the metal quality and condition we're talking about here!  The "XI" on the brass scabbard throat is clearly visible, though the usual matching Roman Numeral on the tine or side of the guard are too feint.  We know these to be the early Froelich/ "Type I" model, due to the smaller pommel and flatter basket, which is from a casting flaw in the casting process (see Mr. Shannon Pritchard's most EXCELLENT description from the "must-have" Confederate collector's reference book, "Collecting the Confederacy", on page 105.)  Even the nice sand-casting inclusions into the basket.....it's as Johnny Reb as they come.

No need to get a loan or sell your car to afford to put this classic, extremely scarce and early production Confederate Cavalryman's blade!

$2998 SOLD

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SWEET Original Model 1840 "Wristbreaker" Sword

Beautiful CR Kirschbaum (Germanic) Imported Blade

Classic Import Specimen, Especially into the Confederacy

100% Complete, Intact Wire & Wrap!!!

THE TRUE "Sword of the Confederacy"!
 

Indeed, this IS THE "sword of the Confederacy," as they were the most WIDELY used sword of all mounted forces, and even field officers, given the fact that so many were in existence in the South in Southern Arsenals before the War, and so many imported during the War.  This superb specimen is a classic imported C. R. Kirschbaum Germanic-made copy of our Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Sword, known affectionately at the time by those who carried them as "Wristbreakers"--for they truly were HEAVY blades for the average smaller size (than today) of the men who wielded them back in the mid-19th Century!  They were far more preferred as a true cavalryman's blade because of their massive and thick construction--which meant LETHALITY!  Of all the swords a General of such overwhelming strength, size, and fighting skill--who could have chosen ANY sword he wished to wield--General Nathan Bedford Forrest chose the classic M1840 "Wristbreaker" because of it's lethality.  And if you know your Forrest history, you know he personally killed scores of Yankee's with his sword...UP CLOSE and PERSONAL!  This original specimen offered here is 100% intact and complete, having the wire and wrap ENTIRELY tight and present--no cracking, crazing, loose wire....no "issues" or detracting facets whatsoever.  Tight blade with the most beautiful untouched dark, unpitted and uncleaned grey steel patina--just the way you LOVE IT!  The C. R. Kirschbaum Knight's Head maker's mark on the ricasso is as CRISP and VIVIDLY CLEAR as the day it was stamped into the blade!  Only your expected coupld of blade dings from actual combat/service wear....just enough to prove "it was THERE"!

Quality like this ain't gonna get any cheaper....

$498  SOLD

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MASSIVE 13.25" Sheffield Bowie Knife

Soldier's Name "Walker" Carved Into Silver "T" Guard

From Texas Attorney's Collection--Acquired Decades Ago

Crystal-Clear Maker's Marking & "FOR SELF DEFENSE"

THE ICONIC, Most Common Civil War Fighting Knife/Bowie Blade

Indeed, scroll through ANY of the "Confederate Faces" multi-volume series of documented Confederate photo's--as well as Federal images you see--and you'll find near half of them with a fighting knife of some sort.  The most widely available and sold blade were those made by the internationally famous Sheffield cutlery company, who made them typically in much smaller sizes that the MONSTER you see here!  This one in particular is an Alexander of Sheffield produced-specimen, and from a line of "FOR SELF DEFENSE", LARGE Bowie clip-point fighting knives.  The "ALEXANDER/SHEFFIELD" maker's marking upon it's ricasso is vividly clear, as is the "FOR SELF DEFENSE" on blade itself.  It is the classic clip-point edge, German silver "T" handle, stag 2-piece grips, and silver, long inlay where someone could carved or have their name engraved upon it.  The blade length is 8 and 3/8th's long and exactly 1.5" wide.  NO modern sharpening whatsoever, and the metal has a gorgeous, untouched, steely-grey patina with NO PITTING.  The original stag grips are still very beautiful, with no cracking, and only very minor chipping at the bottom.  This was in Texas by my very old attorney friend decades ago, acquired directly from a family whose Texas ancestor fought for the South in a Texas unit, but they had no specific ancestral name or information, other than he "fought in the war...and carried this knife...".  All we have is his name carved clearly in cursive of "Walker" in the German silver "T" guard.  Who precisely he was, and what unit he served, and the horrors he seen we shall never truly know.

But we at least have his beautiful, MASSIVE, and truly a Texan-carried Civil War Bowie Knife, made by the most internationally famous, and most prolific maker of Civil War blades.  You don't have to pay several mortgage payments for a CS-made Bowie (hoping it is real, and not a fake!)  You can have this "FOR SELF DEFENSE" Sheffield classic Bowie that really saw action, and can save your hard-earned money!

$798  SOLD

Here's some Johnnies and THEIR Sheffield's!!!!

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Killer Rare 1851-Dated Ames M1840 Sword

Complete W/Original Ames ("ADK" Inspector Stamped) Scabbard

ALL-Original, Complete, Excellent Wire & Wrap, VIVIDLY CLEAR Markings

"AMES MFG CO  CABOTVILLE  1851" and "US ADK"

How many times do you get to get your hands on an Ames Cabotville maker-marked and dated M1840 "Wristbreaker" sword, being entirely complete, tight, and original, with original Ames scabbard????  This gorgeous 1851-dated specimen bears vividly clear markings on the ricasso, as well as the Ames inspector markings (including pommel cap, and on the drag of the scabbard).  Fantastic original wire and wrap--all nice and tight, just like the blade.  Untouched, and truly a rare-to-see Model 1840 sword, this is a must-have for a serious sword collector.

$1150  SOLD

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GORGEOUS, ULTRA-RARE Confederate

 Memphis Novelty Works CS Cavalry Sword

100% Compete, Intact, All-Original (No Reproduction Wire Nor Wrap!)

TIGHT Blade, Almost 100% Intact Original Leather Wrap--Tight 2-Twine Wire

One of the RAREST Confederate Swords Produced...EVER

Only Produced Between September of 1861 through April 1862 in Memphis (Memphis Falling Soon Afterward)

The Memphis Novelty Works Becoming Thereafter Known By Their Owners "Leech & Rigdon"

You are indeed staring at one of the rarest maker-known swords of the entire Confederacy--which should be obvious since the Memphis Novelty Works was only in operation producing war material from September 1861 through early 1862 (after the fall of Forts Henry, Donelson, and Island Number 10, Memphis fell so quickly after a sharp, but quick and decisive river engagement that the South could muster against the overwhelming might of Farragut's Yankee armada.)  Thus, having at most 8 months to produce material, these swords are indeed FEW AND FAR BETWEEN to be found!  This is believed to be a very early example, given that it is not maker-marked, has neither an "un-stopped" nor "stopped" fuller, has the luxury of 2-twine "standard" brass wire (which would later be reduced by the growing lack of brass to using simple copper wiring), high furniture-quality brass guard/tines, and thus is believed this was an early production piece that was being produced in the UTMOST HASTE to equip the many unarmed cavalrymen in the Western Theater so early in the war.  There are so many gorgeously beautiful facets to this fine, extremely rare specimen: the original wrap (with distinct dark brown/russet leather for the wrap) is essentially INTACT and COMPLETE.  Virtually no wear, cracking, crazing, or damage to the phenomenal wrap worth any note.  And the brass 2-twine wire is so very NICE AND TIGHT with the grip--no loose ends or looseness at all.  By looking at the ping upon the characteristic Memphis Novelty Works VERY ROUNDED pommel cap, you can easily tell this has NEVER been taken apart to be "monkeyed with" with any reproduction parts.  All original parts, my friends.  The blade, as mentioned before, is neither "stopped" nor "un-stopped", but simply runs past the guard/basket into the handle spine of the blade.  It has your expected UNTOUCHED and UNCLEANED softened steely grey and mottled patina that you LOVE to see on Confederate REAL STEEL!  Full length blade, of course, measuring 34" long.  It is the South's variant/version of a "heavy cavalry" or "wristbreaker" sword for their gallant horsemen.  But there's something even more "killer" and cool about this piece--there's NO DOUBT that this one got issued at used 100% FOR SURE!  Having the standard 3-tine brass guard/basket, the outer basket DEFINITELY was bent inward....which could ONLY happen due to an extremely violent and powerful force pushing it inward.  It is not damaged AT ALL.  And no damage repairs ANYWHERE.  But like many other noted specimens exhibiting this occurrence, the rider clearly was gripping the sword when thrown violently from his horse and hitting the ground (or horse falling upon the guard/basket).  Being an ex-Quality Assurance Engineer working for an international steel company (Armco-Kawasaki Steel Foundry), I KNOW MY METALLURGY!  You have no idea how many Newtons of Force (sorry--hate to pull out my Physics and Engineering books on you, but the "truth and facts" are as such!) it would take to cause this to occur.  There are the also the usual "battle nicks"--very few, but only enough to prove this baby didn't sit far behind the lines guarding a bridge or warehouse!  Only through a sudden and violent exertion of force could cause this.  Boy...the stories this most gorgeous and rare beauty could tell!

As it is, I wish you "good luck" finding a Memphis Novelty Works Cavalrymen's 100% complete, intact, original sword anywhere near this price.  Heck--I'm pricing it like most people price generic "Dog River" swords!!!  Feel free to pay $10,000+ for another one!  It's your money to waste!   I'll be MORE than happy to keep it!

$3900  SOLD

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Superb CS-Made Fighting Knife & Original Tin Scabbard

Spectacular CS Local-Made Tin Scabbard w/Excellent 13.75" Clip-Point Knife

As Southern as "cornpone and molasses"!  This beautiful local-made CS clip-point fighting knife with it's original tin-scabbard are stunningly beautiful, and classically Confederate.  The tin scabbard with soldering--and that excellent tin belt loop--are perfectly intact and tight.  The over 13" clip-point fighting knife fits it snug.  The clip-point blade itself measures precisely 9" long, and in beautiful, untouched condition, having no pitting, nicks, or detractions whatsoever.  Archetypical CS crude forging facets abound, given the poorly hammered/finished blade  near the top of the spine (excellent CS crude voids where it wasn't hammered thoroughly and fully in the forging process, leaving "crazing" in the metal.)  The simple wooden handle is beautifully intact, having no chips, damage, or detractions whatsoever.  The blade and handle are SOLIDLY tight and intact.  Blessed and sold by the renowned dealer and collector of CS blades last year--Mr. David LaSlavic of "Arizona Swords"--his original letter of sale/authenticity accompanies this piece.

Will look awfully impressive in your CS or knife collection.  Only a handful of tin-scabbard specimens are known to exist.  Rarely do you EVER get a shot at owning one...

GREAT  UPDATE:  Just spoke with Mr. Lee Hadaway, noted and respected author and "guru" of CS blades, and it was he who first acquired this piece from a North Carolina family less than 2 years ago.  He has seen four of these particular blades--identical in nature.  One had a leather scabbard, two without any scabbards, and this one with the 100% authentic tin scabbard.  It appears this may be a North Carolina product, and obviously with several in existence, coming from a small, but very blade-making knowledgeable shop.  The blade and handle are MADE FROM ONE SINGLE PIECE--yes, the single bar was fashioned into both the spine for the handle and the blade as well.  This, as Lee noted, is a sign that they "knew what they were doing," though you still have your classic CS forging traits (probably due to making in great haste for productivity).  Page 53 of his "Updated Confederate Bowie Knife Guide" shows one of these specimens, clearly coming from the same maker and shop.  Lee would have published this particular specimen in the book, except he had already sent it to press!  Otherwise, this piece would be in the reference book today!

SOLD

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Phenomenal Condition CS Bowie From Port Hudson

Excavated from the Large Cache Found Recovered at the Priest's Cap

You can be sure of one thing--those Arkansas boys defending the Priest's Cap within the CS fortifications at Port Hudson for 56 days were PISSED when they had to finally capitulate--after fighting hand-to-hand combat warding-off multiple Yankee assaults, and enduring months of constant bombardment.  And so as not to leave anything for the "damn Yankees" upon their surrender, a pile of valuables and weapons were secretly buried within the Priest's Cap, to keep the Yankee's filthy hands from getting them.  Fortunately, ardent relic hunters read of the accounts by the soldiers who buried and hid them, and would eventually unearth and forever save and preserve these precious, irreplaceable artifacts.  Offered here is a fantastic classic Arkansas "toothpick"--hidden away for over 100 years by the Arkansas defender who threw it in the hole to be undiscovered by his vanquishing foe.  Swords, pistols, watches, coins, and weapons/paraphernalia of all sorts were recovered from the cache.  The Colt Dragoon also came from this identical cache.  Overall length is 15" long, with 10.8" blade, and 1.5" blade width.  Is spectacular Port Hudson dug condition (if you know your Port Hudson relics, you know the ground is VERY unforgiving to the iron from that place!  This would be considered "minty" Port Hudson iron condition!!!!)

Now it can be yours....

SOLD

Stunning James Conning of Mobile, Alabama Confederate "CS" Staff Officer's Sword

All-Original, Complete, Untouched, Original Wire & Wrap, Originally Sold By Shannon Pritchard in 2004

Included With Sword are Original Sword Knot & Officer's Sash

Being one of the rarest and highest quality Confederate-made swords in the entire Civil War, the James Conning, "CS" (cast in the guard) Staff Officer's Sword is among the hardest specimens to find--especially in the condition that this one is in.  One quickly realizes that the Conning-made sword is essentially a copy of the US Staff Officer's Sword, and for good reason: James Conning was a pre-war sword maker who did extensive production for the US military, as well as State and local militia forces.  James was actually a native New York-born silversmith, being listed  as a silversmith in New York as early as 1840.  He would marry into a wealthy Mobile family some 15 years before the War, and thus had a thriving business before 1861 in the Deep South.  When war broke-out, Conning eagerly utilized his skills as a master sword craftsman to equip his new Southern nation.  Conning was noted for importing some of the finest sword blades from France before the war, and doing the assembling/hilting work himself in Mobile.  He quickly copied the Staff Officer's Sword floral and "US" casting hilt design, and simply put a "CS" into the guard instead.  When the blockade prevented him from further importing French merchandise, he contracted the local Parker Foundry in Mobile for blades and other supplies he used to get from France.  He produced other models of swords, such as the regulation artillery saber with 28" curved blade, that was within the Battle Abbey collection in Richmond.  His quality brass hilts for his highly-prized CS Staff Officer Swords were produced throughout the war, only ceasing when Mobile finally fell into Federal hands.  At least one example of this CS Staff Officer exists with a floral and old English script "CS" etching within the blade (also in the Battle Abbey old collection). 

This specimen here was originally sold to my friend and compatriot in Florida back in 2004 from Shannon Pritchard.  Listed below is a copy of the original listing, and Shannon's letter of authenticity shall accompany the piece.  According to several sword aficionados, this is one of the finest all-original, untouched specimens on the "open market" (not in a museum).  The full-length blade has a fabulous smoky/grey patina, having some bright finish remaining, with no nicks or damage of any note to the blade's edge.  No modern cleaning or sharpening whatsoever.  Archetypical unstopped CS-style fuller, of course, and the blade finish becoming less refined and finished toward the rather rounded, more abrupt blade point (than most sword blade designs).  The original leather wrap is intact and still tight, with virtually no wear at all.  Barely any crazing or drying to be found at all (only near the pommel cap end), and only one or two hairline splits in the wrap.  The original 2-twine twisted wire is solidly attached, with only the most minimal, ever-so-slight looseness--but only again substantiates that it is indeed original (re-wrap jobs are tight as a drum and rub too tightly, or are far too spongy against fresh, faked leather!)  The brass hilt is absolutely spectacular, and basically blemish-free in every sense.  It's THAT GOOD!  The magic "CS" letters show perfectly, and the brass appearance is fabulous.  The classic cruder CS sand-casting traits abound, where you can even see the inclusions of sand particulates within the basket design.  But being one of the finer craftsman of Southern blades, it shows the least amount of crude, unskilled casting flaws and traits, unlike his many counterparts.  The floral design continued upon the pommel is the typical faded casted appearance (again, the poorer CS casting trait).  There is also a beautiful "starburst" motif engraved into the top of the pommel cap, which has not been noted as found on any other Conning or other sword, and it is believed by all to be original to the piece.  So whether Conning did this himself, or the officer had it done after he received it, will never be truly known.  But it is clearly a period engraving.  The blade is solidly tight--no play whatsoever.  Both the basket and the blade have the matching "160" production number, as matching production numbers should be seen on these specimens.

Just a a "bonus" to sweeten the deal, my friend will include the original presentation-grade officer's sword know and officer's maroon dress sash, which only adds the perfect "spice" and "flair" to the entire display!

An excellent addition to any hardcore Confederate or sword collector.

SOLD

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Exceptionally Rare & Gorgeous CS College Hill Arsenal Cavalry Officer's Sword

Without question, being one of the rarest and most desirable Confederate-made swords, any College Hill Arsenal/Nashville Plow Works sword carries a special place in every Confederate collector's heart.  I rarely get so enthralled with any item--especially Confederate swords.  Not that I don't like them, because I'm as true-blue Johnny Reb as the next Southern collector!  But few items really take sway over me.  This one (as my friends with me at the show can attest to) REALLY put me "under the spell".  Any piece that can cause that effect upon me--such that I "fall in-love with it"--obviously has a lot going for it!  This is the Cavalry Officer's version of the "College Hill Arsenal" sword.  I put that name in parenthesis, as there is a modern divergence of opinion and belief by some "experts" in the field of Confederate swords, as to whether this is truly a College Hill Arsenal made piece, or actually a Nashville Plow Works piece made FOR College Hill Arsenal to retail for sale.  This specimen, for example, has the iron back-strap and the Nashville Plow Works style basket--but not having the Nashville Plow Works name--so it is clearly a product that was at the very least, made FOR the College Hill Arsenal.  Whether it was originally made by L. T. Cunningham (owner of College Hill Arsenal), or through Sharp & Hamilton (Nashville Plow Works), is what is debated today.  We know historically that Nashville Plow Works ran into some legal/operating "issues," and would later have some production for College Hill Arsenal, so that these are universally accepted that these specific specimens were definitely at the very least retailed/sold through the College Hill Arsenal by L. T. Cunningham.  Cunningham of College Hill Arsenal would later use the Plow Works counter guard with his later products.  Therefore, as such collectors, authorities, and aficionados as Shannon Pritchard describe at length (in his masterful "Collecting the Confederacy" book), this sword may more accurately be described as a "Plow Works College Hill contract sword."  (Page 243).

What is so special about this specimen in particular is that it is among the rarest of any of the Nashville-area made swords, regardless of being "College Hill" or "Plow Works"!  You'll find at least 8 to 10 true "Nashville Plow Works" swords for every "College Hill" specimen--and as you know, ANY of these swords produced in the city of Nashville are so infinitely rare!  Sword production in Nashville area for the Confederacy only lasted not even a YEAR, as Nashville would fall to the Federals after the fall of Fort Donelson in February, 1862.  This specimen offered for sale here is also a very late production piece, given a couple of traits.  Being that the back strap is not brass (as earlier-made specimens, when brass was more plentiful) and that the blade is not affixed with the more commonly seen screw-on cap, but simply "peened," it's obviously among the later/last production specimens.  The brass guard with those beautiful, magical "CSA" letters raised upon the outer face of the guard are seen so beautifully clear.  The abundant and ever-present crude sand-casting flaws are everywhere--no wax-molded fake crap here, my friends.  You can see the rough wet sand casting flaws clear as day everywhere, including specs of some of the sand from the mold still stuck into that higher copper-content Confederate brass!  Just splendid.  This piece was personally inspected by Rafael Eledge at great length (hours, actually, back in our hotel room), and went through every significant collector's/dealer's hands at the show.  To a man, it is acknowledged for the beautiful, all-original College Hill Cavalry Officer's saber that it is.  No damage.  No repairs.  No "monkey-business".  As usual, the extraordinarily thin twisted copper wire is missing (being so thin and rather "chincy," you rarely see any wiring intact, since they came off so very easily), and no wrap remaining (again, so very common and expected).  You can see a few of the thin copper wires peeking from under the iron backstrap.  The polished grip is beautifully present, and really displays magnificently.  One could EASILY have a professional sword restorationists re-wrap and re-wire the piece--and even make a perfect reproduction scabbard, if you choose.  I simply did not want to "mess with" this piece--I love it the way it is, being a purist at heart.  All it really needs is a good cleaning to get the old coats of grime and linseed oil off of it, and she's as beautiful as you'll ever hope to find.  The blade is full-length, and TIGHT with the handle.  Only one tiny nick in the blade--that is IT!  It has the coolest looking crude light filing marks barely seen on a couple small areas, and clearly appear to be original finishing filing marks in just a couple of small areas.  It has NOT been sharpened, cleaned, or touched in any way.  The curved blade measures 33.5" long (along the top spine and curvature), being 100% full-length.

No more needs to be said of this piece.  Some Confederate cavalry officer carried this beauty from Nashville into the war.  If only it could talk and tell us the tales of war, fighting, killing, and suffering.  I guess that's why Rebel steel is so valuable!  Just go ahead and try to find another College Hill (or Plow Works, for that matter) any cheaper, and in such fine, beautiful condition as this.  And here at Champion Hill Relics, you don't get a few, small, dark-shaded, fuzzy pictures to really peruse and judge our pieces.  Enjoy the many pics!

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