November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
This is a very desirable Southern manufactured, pre-Civil War pistol. Considered a Confederate handgun, only 1,000 were made and marked Palmetto Armory between 1852 and 1853. The Palmetto Armory was formed by William Glaze and Benjamin Flag, who was a former superintendent of the Asa Waters factory in Massachusetts. These were made solely for the South Carolina militia. Glaze acquired condemned or over-run Model 1842 parts from Aston and Johnson. Round smoothbore steel barrel is stamped with small Palmetto proof and "P/V" with traces of "WM. GLAZE" marking near breech. Small brass half moon front sight and no rear sight, tang properly dated "1853". Flat percussion lockplate with beveled edges and rounded hammer, lockplate stamped in the center with circular "PALMETTO ARMORY/S*C" around a large Palmetto and vertically on tail "COLUMBIA/S.C./1852". Inside is unmarked, which is correct, although some examples have a condemnation mark. Standard brass Model 1842 furniture, including brass backstrap and barrel band with extension to sideplate, none of which have inspector's marks. Steel Model 1842 swivel type ramrod with button plunger and opposite end shaped for cleaning, possibly a replacement, as it is slightly darker and front of plunger stamped "H". Plain varnished walnut half-stock. Very good condition, all steel components have been cleaned and retain a spotted grey patina with a few scattered light marks and some freckling around breech. Markings are excellent and correct, with correct styles and fonts. Brass furniture retains a mellow darkening patina. Stock very good with a few light marks and some edge wear. This is a great correct example of a one of only 1,000 extremely scarce Confederate Southern made pistols!
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Palmetto Armory