LEECH & RIDGON “FLOATING CS” OFFICER’S SWORD, CAPTAIN J.L. MADDEN, 32ND MISSISSIPPI INFANTRY.

LEECH & RIDGON “FLOATING CS” OFFICER’S SWORD, CAPTAIN J.L. MADDEN, 32ND MISSISSIPPI INFANTRY. This is possibly the finest example known of a complete and identified sword of this type of which there are probably less than 20 specimens known. This particular pattern is found with SN or assembly numbers. This particular specimen is numbered “307” on the blade, each of the three scabbard mounts and both ring mounts. Sword is in beautiful and complete condition with a bright blade, good complete grip and fine patina to hilt and scabbard mounts. The sword is accompanied by a large folio of historical data including copies of old family photographs and affidavit from Madden’s granddaughter stating provenance. Captain Joshua L. Madden was a member of Company D 32nd Mississippi Infantry. Madden was appointed Lieutenant April 2, 1862. He was captured in early action in Kentucky in 1862. Was later exchanged in December 1862 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was promoted from 2nd to 1st Lieutenant in May 1863, where he is shown as Commander of his company. Lt. Madden was wounded at the Battle of Peachtree Creek near Atlanta, Ga, in July 1864. He was promoted to Captain July 26. He was badly wounded November 30, 1864 at the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee by a “conical ball”. On December 1st, in Nashville, his left leg was amputated due to wound received at Franklin. He was then captured and sent to U.S. hospital in Nashville. Madden was then sent to military prison in Louisville and then to Camp Chase Ohio and finally exchanged near war’s end on March 18, 1865. Madden was now at Stuart Hospital in Richmond, Va. Madden was sent home March 29, 1865, just 10 days prior to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Madden, with his sword, in defense of his homeland participated in major battles in the Western theater of the war, including Perryville, Kentucky; Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Chickamauga; Missionary Ridge; the battles for Atlanta; and finally Franklin, Tennessee. During the war he was wounded twice, taken prisoner twice, and was promoted twice. This is possibly the finest example of such a well identified and provenanced sword of this pattern. PROVENANCE: Captain Joshua L. Madden, Vernita Madden Swizer, Sally Dabbs (granddaughter), James C. Harris, private Southern collection. CONDITION: 32″ blade is white/bright with areas of old cleaning, staining and pitting. Brass hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts retain good mustard/yellow patinas. Leather grip is 90% intact with wear with wood showing where worn at high areas. Wood is dark in these areas and matches leather well. Orig twisted wire wrap is complete and tight. Leather scabbard is sound and solid with numerous areas of crazing, flaking and cracking and added black coloration in some areas. Middle mount and throat are both loose. 8-76343 JS16 (27,500-32,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012

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
	2038	$29,325.00	LEECH & RIDGON “FLOATING CS” OFFICER’S SWORD, CAPTAIN J.L. MADDEN, 32ND MISSISSIPPI INFANTRY. This is possibly the finest example known of a complete and identified sword of this type of which there are probably less than 20 specimens known. This particular pattern is found with SN or assembly numbers. This particular specimen is numbered “307” on the blade, each of the three scabbard mounts and both ring mounts. Sword is in beautiful and complete condition with a bright blade, good complete grip and fine patina to hilt and scabbard mounts. The sword is accompanied by a large folio of historical data including copies of old family photographs and affidavit from Madden’s granddaughter stating provenance. Captain Joshua L. Madden was a member of Company D 32nd Mississippi Infantry. Madden was appointed Lieutenant April 2, 1862. He was captured in early action in Kentucky in 1862. Was later exchanged in December 1862 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was promoted from 2nd to 1st Lieutenant in May 1863, where he is shown as Commander of his company. Lt. Madden was wounded at the Battle of Peachtree Creek near Atlanta, Ga, in July 1864. He was promoted to Captain July 26. He was badly wounded November 30, 1864 at the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee by a “conical ball”. On December 1st, in Nashville, his left leg was amputated due to wound received at Franklin. He was then captured and sent to U.S. hospital in Nashville. Madden was then sent to military prison in Louisville and then to Camp Chase Ohio and finally exchanged near war’s end on March 18, 1865. Madden was now at Stuart Hospital in Richmond, Va. Madden was sent home March 29, 1865, just 10 days prior to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Madden, with his sword, in defense of his homeland participated in major battles in the Western theater of the war, including Perryville, Kentucky; Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Chickamauga; Missionary Ridge; the battles for Atlanta; and finally Franklin, Tennessee. During the war he was wounded twice, taken prisoner twice, and was promoted twice. This is possibly the finest example of such a well identified and provenanced sword of this pattern. PROVENANCE: Captain Joshua L. Madden, Vernita Madden Swizer, Sally Dabbs (granddaughter), James C. Harris, private Southern collection. CONDITION: 32″ blade is white/bright with areas of old cleaning, staining and pitting. Brass hilt, pommel and scabbard mounts retain good mustard/yellow patinas. Leather grip is 90% intact with wear with wood showing where worn at high areas. Wood is dark in these areas and matches leather well. Orig twisted wire wrap is complete and tight. Leather scabbard is sound and solid with numerous areas of crazing, flaking and cracking and added black coloration in some areas. Middle mount and throat are both loose. 8-76343 JS16 (27,500-32,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2012 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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