CONFEDERATE “LEECH & RIDGON” FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. ERNEST PORTIS, 42ND ALABAMA.

CONFEDERATE “LEECH & RIDGON” FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. ERNEST PORTIS, 42ND ALABAMA. This classic pattern foot officer’s sword with “CS” cast in guard was most likely made by Leech & Ridgon in Columbus, Mississippi while Lt. Portis was stationed in Columbus between June and September of 1862. Portis no doubt had this sword when he, along with other members of the 42nd and the 2nd Texas, assaulted Ft. Robinett at the Battle of Corinth, taking 50% casualties, where Portis was wounded. Portis returned to service after his wounding and stayed in the service in various capacities. He was captured in April 1865 at Claiborne, Alabama. Portis survived the war and worked as a physician until his death in 1903. A large portfolio accompanies this sword detailing Portis’ history and further provenance on this sword. Portis lead quite an interesting life after serving in his father’s regiment. His post war history is just as interesting and intriguing with his time as a physician and his romances in the deep South. Portis was buried on his property in Vancleave, Mississippi. Very rare are Leech & Ridgon with fully etched blades such as this. Recent information has shown that Jacob Faser was working in Columbus, Mississippi in this time frame and no doubt was the finest etcher and sword detailer in the Confederacy. Most of the handful of fully etched Leech & Ridgon swords seem to be generated in this time frame in Columbus, Mississippi. This sword in our opinion is the finest example of a Leech & Ridgon foot officer’s sword known, especially with such provenance and condition. PROVENANCE: Lt. E.A. Portis, John Hammer, James C. Harris. CONDITION: Fine overall, 29″ blade is gray/white overall, retaining much of its orig luster with scattered areas of staining. 16″ etched floral patterns contain a 5″ panel “LIEUt. ERNEST PORTIS 42 ALA. REGT”. Brass hilt, scabbard mounts retain a smooth well patina surface. Leather grip is complete with most of its orig luster. Twisted brass wire wrap is also complete and tight. Scabbard body is sound and solid though ring mounts are all loose from apparent shrinkage of orig leather scabbard. Scabbard mounts have a classic pedestal ring mount and scalloped edges unique to this manufacturer. 8-76342 JS236 (37,500-47,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013

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
	2248	$0.00	CONFEDERATE “LEECH & RIDGON” FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD INSCRIBED TO LT. ERNEST PORTIS, 42ND ALABAMA. This classic pattern foot officer’s sword with “CS” cast in guard was most likely made by Leech & Ridgon in Columbus, Mississippi while Lt. Portis was stationed in Columbus between June and September of 1862. Portis no doubt had this sword when he, along with other members of the 42nd and the 2nd Texas, assaulted Ft. Robinett at the Battle of Corinth, taking 50% casualties, where Portis was wounded. Portis returned to service after his wounding and stayed in the service in various capacities. He was captured in April 1865 at Claiborne, Alabama. Portis survived the war and worked as a physician until his death in 1903. A large portfolio accompanies this sword detailing Portis’ history and further provenance on this sword. Portis lead quite an interesting life after serving in his father’s regiment. His post war history is just as interesting and intriguing with his time as a physician and his romances in the deep South. Portis was buried on his property in Vancleave, Mississippi. Very rare are Leech & Ridgon with fully etched blades such as this. Recent information has shown that Jacob Faser was working in Columbus, Mississippi in this time frame and no doubt was the finest etcher and sword detailer in the Confederacy. Most of the handful of fully etched Leech & Ridgon swords seem to be generated in this time frame in Columbus, Mississippi. This sword in our opinion is the finest example of a Leech & Ridgon foot officer’s sword known, especially with such provenance and condition. PROVENANCE: Lt. E.A. Portis, John Hammer, James C. Harris. CONDITION: Fine overall, 29″ blade is gray/white overall, retaining much of its orig luster with scattered areas of staining. 16″ etched floral patterns contain a 5″ panel “LIEUt. ERNEST PORTIS 42 ALA. REGT”. Brass hilt, scabbard mounts retain a smooth well patina surface. Leather grip is complete with most of its orig luster. Twisted brass wire wrap is also complete and tight. Scabbard body is sound and solid though ring mounts are all loose from apparent shrinkage of orig leather scabbard. Scabbard mounts have a classic pedestal ring mount and scalloped edges unique to this manufacturer. 8-76342 JS236 (37,500-47,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013 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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