Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
RARE CONFEDERATE COLUMBUS MISSISSIPPI LEECH & RIGDON CONFEDERATE REVOLVER
01-27862
Cal. 36
S# 78
The firm of Leech & Rigdon, whose principal Thomas Leech made arms in Memphis Tennessee as “Memphis Novelty Works” is best known for manufacturing edged weapons but with the addition of Charles Rigdon, St. Louis gunsmith to the firm; revolvers were manufactured in 1862 in Columbus Mississippi. The very 1st guns, were marked “Leech & Rigdon Novelty Works” later the “Novelty Works” was dropped and only the small font “Leech & Rigdon” remained like on this rare survivor. There were about 350 revolvers made in Columbus, Mississippi before they were forced To evacuate because of Union forces taking Memphis.
The characteristics of these guns like all Confederate manufacturers in their early production were not as consistent as their later standard government production products, 7.25″ barrel. Several of these earliest guns have mixed serial numbers like this one, parts from failed pistols used on others. Of the 23 survivors made in Columbus, this is the latest addition to database, just coming to light in 2021 from estate in Sharpsburg, GA. This is a beautiful Confederate used “as found” gun with uncleaned patina, well cared for and in same family for over 100 years and first time ever offered for sale.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Affidavit from Dr. Kerry Elliott, Sharpsburg, GA stating family history on revolver where inherited from unnamed Confederate soldier. My most recent article on Leech & Rigdon Revolvers.
PROVENANCE: Recently discovered in Sharpsburg.
STATUS: ANTIQUE
