LEECH & RIGDON CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER OF COL. HARVEY WALKER.

LEECH & RIGDON CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER OF COL. HARVEY WALKER. Colonel Calvin Henry Walker, was a gallant and loyal Tennessean who’s career began as a company commander and ended with his life in the pitch of battle serving as the colonel and commander of the 3rd Tennesee Infantry Regiment, C.S.A. On May 12, 1863, the 3rd Tennessee Infantry met the advance of Union General U. S. Grant’s army in one of the fiercest and bloodiest engagements of the war. 548 men of the 3rd Tennessee Infantry fought at Raymond staving off Grant’s troops, suffering casualties of 32 killed, 76 wounded and 68 captured. Before the battle, Colonel Walker had stepped out in front of the regiment and reportedly said, “We will soon be engaged in a battle and before we begin I wish to say that I do not command you to go, but to follow this old bald head of mine…” At Powder Springs Road Colonel Calvin Harvey Walker, the gallant commander of the regiment was killed outright when a volley of fire almost tore his head from his body. This sword is in fine untouched condition, full firm marked “Leech & Rigdon, Columbus, Miss.” Bill Osborn describes this sword as “absolutely the best”. 20″ etched panels on blade are profusely decorated including a large “CS”. The brass scabbard mounts, hilt and pommel are crisp with beautiful mustard and chocolate patinas. This sword is in remarkably fine condition considering Walker carried it until his death in 1864. This sword at one time was attached to orig belt which contained an exceedingly rare 2-pc rectangular Leech & Rigdon sword belt plate. This belt was in the collection of Sidney Kerksis who loved belt buckles and didn’t care about swords. He took the sword off and sold it to Fred Slaton. The belt is now on display at the Atlanta History Center. The last belt to sell publicly sold at auction in 2006 for nearly $50,000. The only sword to be sold publicly sold several years ago for about $80,000 and was unidentified and not maker marked. There are only a few minor dents and scratches in the brass. You will never have the opportunity to buy a more beautiful and historically important sword. PROVENANCE: Syd Kerksis, Fred Slaton, Bill Osborn Collection. CONDITION: Blade is gray with scattered staining. Etching is almost totally discernible, though parts of maker marks are light. Grip wrap is mostly intact with wear and chipping to about 10% of high areas. Brass hilt and scabbard mounts have good patina with numerous small scratches, dings and dents. Scabbard body is sound with numerous small nicks between drag and middle mount. 4-38949 JS7 (65,000-90,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009

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
	2447	$0.00	LEECH & RIGDON CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER OF COL. HARVEY WALKER. Colonel Calvin Henry Walker, was a gallant and loyal Tennessean who’s career began as a company commander and ended with his life in the pitch of battle serving as the colonel and commander of the 3rd Tennesee Infantry Regiment, C.S.A. On May 12, 1863, the 3rd Tennessee Infantry met the advance of Union General U. S. Grant’s army in one of the fiercest and bloodiest engagements of the war. 548 men of the 3rd Tennessee Infantry fought at Raymond staving off Grant’s troops, suffering casualties of 32 killed, 76 wounded and 68 captured. Before the battle, Colonel Walker had stepped out in front of the regiment and reportedly said, “We will soon be engaged in a battle and before we begin I wish to say that I do not command you to go, but to follow this old bald head of mine…” At Powder Springs Road Colonel Calvin Harvey Walker, the gallant commander of the regiment was killed outright when a volley of fire almost tore his head from his body. This sword is in fine untouched condition, full firm marked “Leech & Rigdon, Columbus, Miss.” Bill Osborn describes this sword as “absolutely the best”. 20″ etched panels on blade are profusely decorated including a large “CS”. The brass scabbard mounts, hilt and pommel are crisp with beautiful mustard and chocolate patinas. This sword is in remarkably fine condition considering Walker carried it until his death in 1864. This sword at one time was attached to orig belt which contained an exceedingly rare 2-pc rectangular Leech & Rigdon sword belt plate. This belt was in the collection of Sidney Kerksis who loved belt buckles and didn’t care about swords. He took the sword off and sold it to Fred Slaton. The belt is now on display at the Atlanta History Center. The last belt to sell publicly sold at auction in 2006 for nearly $50,000. The only sword to be sold publicly sold several years ago for about $80,000 and was unidentified and not maker marked. There are only a few minor dents and scratches in the brass. You will never have the opportunity to buy a more beautiful and historically important sword. PROVENANCE: Syd Kerksis, Fred Slaton, Bill Osborn Collection. CONDITION: Blade is gray with scattered staining. Etching is almost totally discernible, though parts of maker marks are light. Grip wrap is mostly intact with wear and chipping to about 10% of high areas. Brass hilt and scabbard mounts have good patina with numerous small scratches, dings and dents. Scabbard body is sound with numerous small nicks between drag and middle mount. 4-38949 JS7 (65,000-90,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009 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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