Boyle & Gamble Knife

By John Sexton · Originally published November 2018 · p. 30

Dear John: I was hoping to get an appraisal, an opinion, or a reference. If this is an authentic object, I was very curious about the lipped notch and what unit or regiment it may have been in. Chris Dear Chris: This classic American-style clip point bowie knife with Confederate motif is a modern “fantasy.” This knife follows the lines of fine mid-19th century English and American bowies. The tin sheath is typical of Confederate knives and the “Spanish notch” is seen on early knives near the ricasso on blade’s cutting edge. Boyle & Gamble of Richmond, Va., made a very similar camp knife that this fantasy is copied from. Excellent photographs of original examples with the correct markings and construction characteristics can be found in Confederate Bowie Knives. The “CS” and “B&G VA” markings on the ricasso were put on with single character die stamps which Boyle & Gamble never used. Though this manufacturer did etch sword blades, there are no known acid etched knives. I know of no Confederate knives in this style that are acid etched that are not suspect or known fakes. There are Confederate knives with decorated blades, but they are etched in intaglio design using stylus or “dry pencil.” It seems that a majority of the knives offered as Confederate in many marketplaces are newly made. The Boyle & Gamble camp knife is often forged, and some examples are properly marked in two-lines very closely emulating the original markings that have fooled collectors and dealers over the past 10 years or so. Many collectibles are counterfeited, so be careful when purchasing Confederate objects as so many are not original but fake, fantasy, or fraudulent. John Sexton

Closeup of the “B&G VA” markings on the ricasso.

John is an certified appraiser with International Society of Appraisers specializing in Civil War memorabilia. He authenticates and evaluates other rare and valuable historic items as well. His website is www.civilwardealer. com. He is coauthor of the book Confederate Bowie Knives (2012) by Jack Melton, Josh Phillips and John Sexton, that was published by Mowbray Publishing Inc. Send “Ask The Appraiser” questions and photographs to [email protected].

Obverse of knife in a metal scabbard.

Reverse of knife showing the belt loop attachment.

Closeup of the “C S” etching on scabbard.

Obverse of the knife without the scabbard.

Reverse of the knife without the scabbard.

Closeup of the CSA stamp on the scabbard.