Fall 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th, 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.
CONFEDERATE LEECH & RIGDON CONFEDERATE REVOLVER
01-29622 | Cal 36. | S# 958.
The firm of Leech & Rigdon originated with Thomas Leech, whose Memphis, Tennessee business, Memphis Novelty Works, was best known for manufacturing edged weapons. With the addition of Charles Rigdon, a St. Louis gunsmith, the firm began producing revolvers in 1862 in Columbus, Mississippi.
The earliest revolvers were marked “Leech & Rigdon Novelty Works.” Later production examples were marked simply “Leech & Rigdon,” and, after the 1863 government contract, “Leech & Rigdon CSA.” This revolver is part of that contract. Only about 450 revolvers were completed by the original firm, with the final 550 completed by Charles Rigdon & Company still using the “LEECH & RIGDON” marking.
Several manufacturing differences are associated with these Augusta-assembled revolvers, particularly the absence of a slotted hammer and the lack of cylinder safety pins. This revolver was assembled in Augusta, Georgia, from parts mostly completed in Greensboro, Georgia, to fulfill the 1863 Confederate contract.
Standard configuration, 7.5” half-octagonal to round barrel, brass pin front sight. “LEECH & RIGDON CSA” marking on the top flat. This revolver was manufactured in early 1864 and is among the very first Leech & Rigdon revolvers finished by Charles Rigdon & Company. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: my current updated article on Leech & Rigdon revolvers and 2002 letter of authenticity signed by Bill Gary. PROVENANCE: Jackson Arms catalog 22B, 1964; Norm Flayderman catalog #57; Gary Hendershott catalog #114, 2001; David Berenson estate collection. STATUS: ANTIQUE.
