Presented here is a fine original specimen of an Confederate cavalry saber and scabbard made by the well known Memphis, TN firm of Thomas Leech & Co, a.k.a. the Memphis Novelty Works.  Leech established his business in Memphis and produced a number of edged weapons there from September 1861 to May of 1862. Typical of those sabers carried by numerous Southern horsemen during the War Between the States, this well-made steel specimen features a 36” long, single edged, slightly curved blade with a 27½” long, unstopped, wavy fuller and a flat back.  Blade is unmarked, as is typical.  Grips on this saber are strong and exhibit a center-swelled grooved wooden handle wrapped tightly in original black leather. Leather shows scattered spots of cracking, a few chips and scuffing but remains in very good, strong condition. Grooved handle is wound with a double twisted strand of copper wire that remains very tight and strong. The maker’s stamp of “MEMPHIS / NOVELTY WORKS / THOs LEECH & Co.” in an uneven, three-line marking is visible on the back of the quillon.  The “MEMPHIS” stamping dates the manufacture of this cavalry saber to the war year Sep 61 to May 62 timeframe.

Strong brass hilt features a robust, two-branch guard and a brass, high domed pommel cap of the Phrygian-helmet design sometime referred to as a ‘high-hat’ style. Hilt exhibits a very thin, almost invisible surface crack near the knuckle bow but does not extend through the metal.  Grips and pommel are tight to the saber but the guard hilt is loose and appears to have been cast, not stamped.  All brass has acquired a deep and pleasing, rich bronze patina.  Total length of the saber including grips is 42¼” long.   Readily visible on the blade at either ricasso and down both lengths of the saber are crude casting imperfections inherent in edged weapons of Southern manufacture.  Blade, which is still sharp, bears scattered areas of rust pitting marks and dark oxidation overall. True edge shows one edge nick 15” from the tip and also exhibits remnants of sheen on the obverse flat from a modern burnishing wheel. This can be diminished without much trouble. Saber is missing its leather pad.

The crudely constructed iron scabbard is a classic specimen, strong but dinged and dented from use. Retains its brass suspension mounts and iron rings but lacks its brass drag and brass throat collar.  Lower ring still holds a period iron hook.  Visible along the scabbard bottom edge is the very crude, folded-over and brazed seam so evident in southern-made scabbards of the period.  Scabbard tip shows the crimp normally covered with the drag. This scabbard exhibits rough finishing work and has acquired a pleasing dark plum patina over the years. If one seeks a Confederate classic horseman’s cavalry saber and scabbard, this original “Memphis Novelty Works” marked weapon is for you.