This is a very fine and rare version of the desirable 2-piece Confederate sword belt buckle. This is the version that was made by the famous firm of Thomas Leech & Company of Memphis, Tennessee. They were better known as the Memphis Novelty Works Company. This is the pattern illustrated as figure 032 in Mullinax book on Confederate Belt Buckles and plates. It is the version that has the distinctive letter pattern to the "CS" that lets you know from a mile away that it is a Novelty Works Piece. We also note the vent hole dots on the tongue and wreath as well. This was to help the metal cool when it was being cast in a sand mold. This is the large belt loop version that displays well. It is accompanied by what appears to be the original leather belt. The belt has a good bit of wear but displays well. There is one tear near the stitching on the wreath side as you can see in the pictures. This buckle came from the museum like collection of Dr. Joseph Murphy. Dr. Murphy amassed one of the nations most advanced collections of Confederate belt buckles before he passed a few years ago. Don't miss your chance at this scarce and fine example of one of the Confederates most desirable buckle styles.