Rare “V” Guard Boyle & Gamble Sword

Boyle & Gamble of Richmond, Virginia was the Confederacy’s most prolific maker of officer’s swords and the company’s staff and field officer’s sword is easily the most recognized sword produced during the Confederate era. The firm made swords for retail sale as well as government contracts. The company also supplied their high quality officer’s swords for resale to jewelry and military outfitter, Mitchell & Tyler, located on Main Street in Richmond, Virginia.
This pattern, with a “V” in the counter guard is a foot officer’s sword. Officers ranking between Captain and 2nd Lieutenant were authorized to carry one of the many foot officer patterns. Those officers ranking above Major were authorized to carry staff and field patterns (having a “CS” in the counterguard).
This “Flying V” is the rarest, and most unique of the foot officer swords made by Boyle & Gamble.
At one time, because of the V, they were considered products of the Virginia Armory; they have been designated “Engineer” swords, and by some it has been thought that the “V” stood for Virginia. However, all we really know for certain is that the sword was made by Boyle & Gamble. Boyle & Gamble may have intended the “V” to represent Virginia, but I have been unable to track down any solid evidence to support this theory. It is simply a very rare and attractive Boyle & Gamble “V Guard” Foot Officer’s Sword; far, far rarer than the B&G Staff & Field Pattern.
The brass guard and grip are in excellent condition; the sword is tight but for the slightest of movement of the pommel cap. The throat washer is a replacement. The leather wrap and copper wire wrap are exceptionally fine, original and tight.
The sword’s blade is semi bright to grey; it has numerous nicks in the lower half due to sword play. It also has numerous forging flaws. The blade is etched with crossed cannon over a broken wheel, a panoply of arms featuring a seven star Confederate flag and vine and floral patterns. The etching is very light.
It is still sheathed in its original scabbard, which is in excellent condition. Though they are both standard Boyle & Gamble ring mounts, you will note the slight difference in the two mounts. As odd as this seems to us today, there are too many known examples like this to think it anything unusual at the time. The drag is original and is extensively banged up from service but it remains perfectly tight.