Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example example of a very rare Civil War Era M-1842 Percussion Cavalry pistol, and is only the second 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 was originally a relatively standard Model 1842 Percussion Pistol, intended for use of Cavalry, and has a .54" caliber 8 1/2" barrel, measuring 14 1/4 inches long in total. Of note is that the original "captured" ramrod was removed at some point, and the bolster for it ground off, though we can still see evidence of it on the bottom of the barrel. The pistol is now fitted with a period replacement wooden ramrod, and still has a good amount of the markings, though they are worn. Overall the pistol now shows a lovely aged patina on the metalwork, and the stock shows that it saw long service.

The pistol came to us with a print out of an illustrated research diagram made by Frederick G. Novy, an expert on arms from Palmetto Armory, and author of articles published in the journals of the American Society of Arms Collectors. It details the markings, modifications, and other aspects of the pistol in great detail. The research looks to have been done March 22, 2025, and represents the most up to date information about these rare pistols. Definitely a treat to have such a great piece of reference material regarding this specific pistol!

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 overall. The lock plate tail is still marked COLUMBIA, however the "S. C." and date marking have been purposely removed on this example. The barrel is not dated, and it is proofed with a V over a small "Palmetto Tree" proof, with the maker WM. GLAZE & CO. present on the left side of the barrel. That means this is not one of the barrel acquired with the tooling, but one produced in South Carolina at the armory.

The walnut stock has a lovely look, showing a great dark red brown color, only seen on old oiled walnut such as this. It is in great shape on the right side, however the bottom of the fore stock and the left side show damage, including numerous dents, dings, and small gouges. There is a small crack running from the rear lock screw to the barrel, a very common place to see these. The lock is functional and holds correctly at half cock, firing at full. We checked the bore, and it definitely did see a good amount of use, with fouling and oxidation evident.

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 interesting example of a rare and highly sought after historic gun in lovely field modified and patinated condition, complete with research from an expert on the Palmetto Armory!! Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1852-1853
Caliber: .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length: 8 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 14 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.