Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example example of a very rare Civil War Era M-1842 Percussion Cavalry pistol, and is the first of this type that we have ever had! Here we have one of only 2,000 made by Palmetto Armory of Columbia, S.C. as part of a military contract with the South Carolina Militia in 1852-53. This company was founded by Columbia silversmith and jeweler, William Glaze, and his partner Benjamin Flagg, who was a former Superintendent of the Asa Waters factory in Milbury, Massachusetts. Together, they purchased equipment and tooling of the Waters factory and had it moved to Columbia to set up their operation.

This armory initially retained its original name, the Palmetto Iron Works, which was famous for making tools, barrels and cotton gins. In 1851 the state of South Carolina contracted this company to produce arms for the South Carolina militia in preparation for a potential war, and the name was changed to Palmetto Armory. They also sold and/or produced numerous model 1842 muskets for South Carolina as well. When the U.S. Civil War broke out, these pistols were among the first to be sent out to arm confederate troops.

Aside from the markings, the pistol is a relatively standard Model 1842 Percussion Pistol, intended for use of Cavalry, and has a .54" caliber 8 1/2" barrel, with a with swivel steel "captured" ramrod for easier loading while on horse back. The pistol is 14 inches long in total, and still has a good amount of the markings, though they are worn. Overall the pistol now shows a lovely polished patina on the metalwork. This pistol is in very good condition, with no signs of major repairs, just honest use and wear from service. The ramrod and swivel link are still present, making this a very nice complete example.

The lock plate on this example is correctly marked with PALMETTO. ARMORY / S * C in a circle around the company's "Palmetto Tree" emblem under the hammer, which is a bit faint in areas, especially on the bottom. The lock plate tail is faintly marked COLUMIBIA / S. C. 1852, which also can require a magnifier to read. The barrel however is dated 1850, and proof marked on the left side with a faint JH, which could be one of several inspectors working on pistols at the time, usually thought to be Joseph Hannis, John Hannis, or James Harris. There is an SW stamp above this, all of which indicates that this is one of the barrels acquired along with the equipment, tooling, and parts purchased from Waters. Definitely some great research potential here!

It has a very good condition walnut stock with Brass mounts, all lightly used condition with a lovely color and finish. The stock does have a small crack running from the rear lock screw to the barrel, a very common place to see these, and there also is a repaired crack running from the front of the lock up to the barrel band. The stock wood has a lovely color and aged glow, showing only what looks to have been light wear, and the expected damage from light service use.

The lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, and the captured cleaning rod is fully functional as well. We also checked the bore, and it shows very little signs of use, still showing a lot of bright steel on the interior, with some machining marks still faintly visible. This Model was widely used in the U.S./Mexican War and then in the U.S. Civil War. Palmetto Armory pistols were among the first to be issued to Confederate troops during the Civil War.

A very great of a rare and highly sought after historic gun in lovely condition! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1852 & 1850
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 8 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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