FINE AND RARE “NOVELTY WORKS” MARKED THOMAS LEECH, MEMPHIS CONFEDERATE SIDE KNIFE.

Pictured on page 118 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips and Sexton, 2012. overall 22-11/16″, 17-1/16″ double edge fullered blade, .27″ thick at ricasso, maximum width 1-13/16″. This is the very knife that William Albaugh first identified to the Memphis manufacturer, “Thomas Leech & Co, Memphis Novelty Works”. Fred Slaton bought this knife from Albaugh and featured it with other products of this maker in 1980 Gun Report article. All of the Leech knives sport this S-shaped crossguard of cast brass. The upper quillon has two filed flutes, and the lower quillon has one flute. While all the Leech knives share similar traits, each is unique in small ways. This one has the larger staff sword pommel and oilcloth grip wrapped with twisted iron wire. The long double-edged blade has a central fuller and should not be confused with the company’s short sword blades that have no fuller. The die used to make the “NOVELTY WORKS” mark is the same as that used for the Leech enlisted man’s cavalry sabers. We know of no other complete example with this marking, though excavated crossguard exists. This is a wonderful “as found” example of among the rarest of Confederate side knives that has great provenance and collector history. PROVENANCE: William Albaugh collection; Fred Slaton collection; Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Fine overall, gray blade with iron patina, brass has dark mustard patina, grip overall sound, complete tight twisted copper wire, oil-cloth grip wrap worn through at high area showing unique Leech utilized cord, original protective washer. 50185-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2236

Auction: Firearms - March 2016

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
	2236	$18,400.00	FINE AND RARE “NOVELTY WORKS” MARKED THOMAS LEECH, MEMPHIS CONFEDERATE SIDE KNIFE. Pictured on page 118 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips and Sexton, 2012. overall 22-11/16″, 17-1/16″ double edge fullered blade, .27″ thick at ricasso, maximum width 1-13/16″. This is the very knife that William Albaugh first identified to the Memphis manufacturer, “Thomas Leech & Co, Memphis Novelty Works”. Fred Slaton bought this knife from Albaugh and featured it with other products of this maker in 1980 Gun Report article. All of the Leech knives sport this S-shaped crossguard of cast brass. The upper quillon has two filed flutes, and the lower quillon has one flute. While all the Leech knives share similar traits, each is unique in small ways. This one has the larger staff sword pommel and oilcloth grip wrapped with twisted iron wire. The long double-edged blade has a central fuller and should not be confused with the company’s short sword blades that have no fuller. The die used to make the “NOVELTY WORKS” mark is the same as that used for the Leech enlisted man’s cavalry sabers. We know of no other complete example with this marking, though excavated crossguard exists. This is a wonderful “as found” example of among the rarest of Confederate side knives that has great provenance and collector history. PROVENANCE: William Albaugh collection; Fred Slaton collection; Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Fine overall, gray blade with iron patina, brass has dark mustard patina, grip overall sound, complete tight twisted copper wire, oil-cloth grip wrap worn through at high area showing unique Leech utilized cord, original protective washer. 50185-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2236 Auction: Firearms - March 2016 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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FINE AND RARE “NOVELTY WORKS” MARKED THOMAS LEECH, MEMPHIS CONFEDERATE SIDE KNIFE.