Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
VERY RARE INSCRIBED BOYLE & GAMBLE CONFEDERATE NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD, MIDSHIPMAN JAMES DYKE, CSS FLORIDA
| 02-25385 |
There are only 3 documented Boyle & Gamble CSN officer’s known, and only 2 are inscribed. Sword was made mid-1862 when James Dyke was serving on CSS Richmond prior to his service on the CSS Florida. 27” flat saber ground sword blade, 10” sharpened spear point, etched image of the ironclad CSS Richmond adjacent to his etched name “Jas. H. Dyke” along with “CSN” in large panel with fouled anchor, acorns & oak leaves. High copper Boyle & Gamble pattern 1850 floral decorated hilt has classic pommel with cast ivy leaf decoration.
James H. Dyke (1846-1869) born in Florida was son of prominent Tallahassee newspaper editor, served in Tallahassee’s Leon Guards, Co. D, 2nd Florida infantry, July-September 1861, transferring to Confederate navy as 16 year old midshipman on CSS Patrick Henry, later to CSS Richmond. The Richmond was a casemate iron clad war ship like its famous cousin CSS Virginia. He went on to be assigned to the famous revenue raider CSS Florida where Dyke served till June 1864 taking last command with CSS Rappahannock while still in dock in England. He returned to New York after the war penniless and made his way back to Tallahassee where he died at 23 years old. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Report of authenticity written by certified appraiser & Confederate arms expert John Sexton as well as a small biographic research file. PROVENANCE: found in Los Angeles flea market about 1980. STATUS: ANTIQUE.
Link: Report of Authenticity and Biographical Research Written by Certified Appraiser and Confederate Arms Expert John Sexton
