3249A CAPTURED CONFEDERATE INSCRIBED SOUTH CAROLINA

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Nov 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 3,500.00 USD
Estimated at 7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
PALMETTO MODEL 1841 MISSISSIPPI RIFLE.Cal. 54. NSN. This rare South Carolina rifle & US bayonet were captured in Virginia in 1862 by First Lt. William Clark, 105th New York Infantry, as noted by family papers which accompany. This attractive example appears in standard configuration with 33" barrel, brass furniture but pieced forestock and buttstock has no mortise cut under toolbox lid. Lock markings: "PALMETTO ARMORY SC" in a circle around a Palmetto tree forward of hammer and "COLUMBIA / SC 1852" vertically at tail. Barrel breech marked "Wm. GLAZE&Co." and "V P / palmetto tree" proofs and on tang "1853". Buttplate is surcharged "SC". Tang screw is original Palmetto round & semi- domed head, Federal always flat, retains unique Palmetto original brass blade front sight, fixed rear sight. Side plate is field inscribed "C. W. Oliver". There is only one CW Oliver in South Carolina infantry, C. Wistor Oliver entered service Feb. 1, 1862 and died of disease Aug. 19. 1863, Co. G, 19th SC. Rifle is fitted with rare US 1795 bayonet surcharged "C.US". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: First Lt. Clarks' military service papers, including envelope noting gun, his Jan 6th 1862 commission, Medical Discharge, & Pay records Sept. 12 1862 & pension documents and most interesting document showing he had a servant while in Virginia; C. W. Oliver's 19th SC service records; copy of the American Society of Arms Collectors (ASAC) #115; Page 115/51 "The Palmetto Rifle, An Examination of the Survivors" by Frederick G. Novy, letter & notes from Dr. Novy on this rifle. These documents show that Lt. William Clark was medically discharged in Virginia on Sep 12th 1862. It can be assumed that he then returned home to Clarkson, NY taking his Palmetto Rifle with him and that this rifle remained with him and his heirs from 1862 until 2026, a total of 164 years!CONDITION: good overall as configured, good markings, dark iron patina on barrel, lock has smooth gray patina, all original brass mounts, correct brass tipped ramrod. Buttstock is believed by Dr. Novy to have been created prior to capture and Lt. Wm. Clark returning home with this souvenir rifle. Toolbox lid is inscribed inside "H. Clark / NY", possibly noting the creator however after it was taken home. Mechanics are fine, good sharp rifled bore. Regardless, this is attractive example of rare rifle, identified to South Carolina soldier and documented as owned by New York Soldier and his family for 164 years! PROVENANCE: Dr. Fred Novy collection. Dr. Novy is leading authority on Palmetto weapons and author of "The Palmetto Rifle" article published in American Society of Arms Collectors bulletin. He has studied most examples known in about every major institution & private collections. (01-30291/JS). ANTIQUE. $7,000-9,000.