RARE! ONE OF THESE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION RECENTLY SOLD ON EBAY FOR OVER $1800. THIS PIECE CAME FROM A DITCH HERE IN VICKSBURG WHERE A CONFEDERATE OFFICER MUST HAVE THROWN IT AFTER IT BROKE IN HALF. THIS PORTION HAS THE STAR AND THE "S," WHEREAS THE MISSING HALF WOULD HAVE THE STAR AND A "C." DESPITE ITS INCOMPLETENESS, IT'S A VERY GOOD RELIC OF THE WAR FOR SOUTHERN INDEPENDENCE.
The Memphis Novelty Works was the firm of Thomas Leech, and was organized in Memphis, Tenn. about September, 1861, to manufacture “army cutlery.” Along with Charles Rigdon, Leech produced various pattern swords at Memphis until about May 1, 1862, when, due to the danger of that city being captured, the firm moved to Columbus, Mississippi. Thereafter the firm was known as the “Novelty Works/Leech & Rigdon. It produced swords, revolvers and other "cutlery" for the Confederacy. Artifacts bearing the company's name are among the most sought after relics of the war. A complete spur was recently appraised by Antiques Roadshow at $3,500 - $4,500 retail.
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