Leech and Rigdon Case Set

[Ephraim Kibbey]

I bought this set recently and have had no luck identifying the maker.

It has Italian proof marks and an AP date code.

Under the loading lever on the bottom of the barrel it is marked "BLACK POWDER ONLY" but there is no maker's mark like DGG or ASM.

The serial number "40" appears on the bottom of the barrel lug, the frame right behind that and on the forward part of the trigger guard.

The top flat of the barrel lug is marked "LEECH & RIGDON CSA" in a large thick block font.

The brass back strap is engraved "Greensborough, Ga. 1863" in a thin script.

There are no other marks on the gun.

While the gun is not marked as Navy Arms, it is in a typical NA wood presentation case and came with a full unopened NA tin of caps.

The plaque on the case lid is engraved:

GREENE COUNTY
BICENTENNIAL
1786 - 1986
LEECH & RIGDON
COMMEMORATIVE
REVOLVER​

Does anyone know who made a LEECH & RIGDON marked like this?

Was anyone involved with the Greene County Bicentennial in 1986 who remembers where they got this?

 

[bannockburn]

I think High Standard, Uberti, and Pietta all made a Leech and Rigdon replica. Cimarron Firearms, Dixie Gun Works, and Navy Arms sell them.

 

[jaxenro]

I have two Cimarrons it isn't one of hem

I am thinking High Standard - how is the fit and finish? And is the cylindr plain or engraved?

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

High Standard Would not have any Italian markings.

 

[bannockburn]

Supposedly High Standard made the frames for the Leech and Rigdon revolvers with the rest of the parts being made by Uberti and imported from Italy. Once here High Standard did all of the fitting, polishing, and final finishing of the guns. On the top flat of the barrel High Standard had a "Leech and Rigdon CSA" rollmark placed on it. They also made a brass framed replica of the Griswold and Gunnison revolver at the same time. Production was from 1974 to 1976.

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

jaxenro - Fit and finish are beautiful.

Both the bluing and the case-hardening seem very well done.

The metal/metal and metal/wood junctures are smooth to the touch.

The action is smooth with three clicks although I believe/imagine I sometimes hear a fourth click occasionally if I go very slowly.

Solid aligned lockup on all six.

The release is crisp, light and very short but not quite a "hair" trigger.

The cylinder is plain except for the proof marks.

I do not see any pins on it (although the hammer is notched) and with the hammer placed between the nipples it can still move.

 

[Tommygunn]

It looks a lot like my Uberti Leech & Rigdon (even the color casehardening) but mine is not marked as is yours, plus it is clearly marked Uberti style.
I got mine from Dixie Gun Works in the early 1990s.

 

[bannockburn]

Ephraim Kibbey

I'm thinking maybe that it's a High Standard Leech and Rigdon that the Greene County Bicentennial committee had put together for some sort of raffle/auction. Possibly contact them and see if anyone remembers this particular commemorative.

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

Poudre Noire has a great photo ID site. Google it and use "Translate this Page" link.

http://poudrenoire.free.fr/listing%20des%20mod%E8les.html

Sadly they do not have pictures of the roll stamp for either the Pietta or the Uberti versions.

Here are their pictures of High Standard's "Arms of the Confederacy" Leech & Rigdon set and roll stamp:

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

Here is a picture of an original Leech & Rigdon roll stamp.

In substance and orientation, my version is very similar but the High Standard is a closer match in font size.

Does anyone have a picture of the roll stamps (if any) for the Pietta or Uberti versions?