RARE CONFEDERATE INSCRIBED STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD.

RARE CONFEDERATE INSCRIBED STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD. 29-7/8” unstopped fullered blade is engraved “Lieut.W. R. Lillard, 52nd Tenn. Vols”. This sword is in untouched attic condition with excellent grip and fine patina to brass and blade. You cannot find a nicer example of this classic Confederate pattern, especially with impeccable identification to a Confederate officer. Confederate Gen. Joe Shelby carried this same pattern sword, but his was not etched. Confederate swords with names etched on blade are rare. This scarce pattern sword with the floating “CS” decoration in the hilt was made by Leech & Rigdon. Leech & Rigdon made swords in Memphis, TN., Columbus, MS and Greensboro, GA. A nearly identical etched sword to Lt. Alston Moffitt of the 51st TN. is found in the Smithsonian Institute. It may not be a coincidence that Lt. Moffitt’s sword and the sword here are nearly identical as the 51st and the 52nd TN regiments were consolidated in 1862 and both officers would have chance to buy swords at same locations. This dbl-line engraving style seems to be unique to Leech and Rigdon products and this is best example known to us. Lt. Lillard joined the Army as a private in 1861, later being promoted to officer then serving the remainder of war until he was captured and sent to Johnson’s Island as a prisoner of war where he was paroled in 1865. The 52nd TN Regiment was involved in battles in the Western theater including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Perryville, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign and Franklin. CONDITION: Blade is gray/bright and uncleaned with areas of rust and pitting. Leather grip wrap is excellent with only minor crazing. Twisted brass wire is excellent. Brass hilt exhibits excellent patina. 8-76201 JS2 (25,000-30,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	256	$31,625.00	RARE CONFEDERATE INSCRIBED STAFF AND FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD. 29-7/8” unstopped fullered blade is engraved “Lieut.W. R. Lillard, 52nd Tenn. Vols”. This sword is in untouched attic condition with excellent grip and fine patina to brass and blade. You cannot find a nicer example of this classic Confederate pattern, especially with impeccable identification to a Confederate officer. Confederate Gen. Joe Shelby carried this same pattern sword, but his was not etched. Confederate swords with names etched on blade are rare. This scarce pattern sword with the floating “CS” decoration in the hilt was made by Leech & Rigdon. Leech & Rigdon made swords in Memphis, TN., Columbus, MS and Greensboro, GA. A nearly identical etched sword to Lt. Alston Moffitt of the 51st TN. is found in the Smithsonian Institute. It may not be a coincidence that Lt. Moffitt’s sword and the sword here are nearly identical as the 51st and the 52nd TN regiments were consolidated in 1862 and both officers would have chance to buy swords at same locations. This dbl-line engraving style seems to be unique to Leech and Rigdon products and this is best example known to us. Lt. Lillard joined the Army as a private in 1861, later being promoted to officer then serving the remainder of war until he was captured and sent to Johnson’s Island as a prisoner of war where he was paroled in 1865. The 52nd TN Regiment was involved in battles in the Western theater including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Perryville, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign and Franklin. CONDITION: Blade is gray/bright and uncleaned with areas of rust and pitting. Leather grip wrap is excellent with only minor crazing. Twisted brass wire is excellent. Brass hilt exhibits excellent patina. 8-76201 JS2 (25,000-30,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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