VERY FINE AND RARE THOMAS LEECH & CO, MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS SIDE KNIFE.

This exact knife is shown on pg. 119 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton, and is among the finest examples known of the most typical Bowie knife made by Thomas Leech & CO, Memphis. 23-3/8″ overall, 18-3/8″ single fullered double edged blade, .31″ thick at ricasso, 1-7/8″ wide. This classic example utilized oiled cloth grip, iron wire and iron mounts on sheath. This is thought to be a later example as brass was becoming a difficult commodity in the South as was grip leather. The iron mounts are thought to have been made from old roof sheeting. This is a very fine aesthetically pleasing complete and original “as found” example of this rarely offered Confederate Bowie. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Very fine overall, blade retains much of its original finishing marks though cleaned and bright gray overall with staining and pitting, still retaining original protective washer. Grip retains 90%+ oiled cloth grip, though worn at some high areas exposing the unique Leech cord. Single strand iron wrap is tight with iron patina. Sheath is sound, solid and supple retaining most of its original finish though scuffed, several bends, tooled lines still discernible on both sides, sewing tight and complete. Iron mounts are complete, retaining small brass tip and cast brass frog button, mounts have iron patina being mostly smooth with areas of rust and pitting. Brass pommel, crossguard and frog button have mottled patina with shades of mustard, reds and chocolate with some verdigris. 50185-5 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2238

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
	2238	$10,925.00	VERY FINE AND RARE THOMAS LEECH & CO, MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS SIDE KNIFE. This exact knife is shown on pg. 119 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton, and is among the finest examples known of the most typical Bowie knife made by Thomas Leech & CO, Memphis. 23-3/8″ overall, 18-3/8″ single fullered double edged blade, .31″ thick at ricasso, 1-7/8″ wide. This classic example utilized oiled cloth grip, iron wire and iron mounts on sheath. This is thought to be a later example as brass was becoming a difficult commodity in the South as was grip leather. The iron mounts are thought to have been made from old roof sheeting. This is a very fine aesthetically pleasing complete and original “as found” example of this rarely offered Confederate Bowie. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Very fine overall, blade retains much of its original finishing marks though cleaned and bright gray overall with staining and pitting, still retaining original protective washer. Grip retains 90%+ oiled cloth grip, though worn at some high areas exposing the unique Leech cord. Single strand iron wrap is tight with iron patina. Sheath is sound, solid and supple retaining most of its original finish though scuffed, several bends, tooled lines still discernible on both sides, sewing tight and complete. Iron mounts are complete, retaining small brass tip and cast brass frog button, mounts have iron patina being mostly smooth with areas of rust and pitting. Brass pommel, crossguard and frog button have mottled patina with shades of mustard, reds and chocolate with some verdigris. 50185-5 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2238 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.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}

VERY FINE AND RARE THOMAS LEECH & CO, MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS SIDE KNIFE.