3008

RARE CONFEDERATE PALMETTO RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
RARE CONFEDERATE PALMETTO RIFLE.
Cal. 58. NSN. One of the most elusive of Confederate secondary arms is the Palmetto Armory Model 1841 rifle, which there are very few specimens known. This example conforms to other known Palmetto Armory rifles: 33" barrel, brass furniture, unique toolbox mortise not cut for extra nipple, brass tipped ramrod. Lock markings: “PALMETTO ARMORY SC” in a circle around a Palmetto tree forward of hammer and “COLUMBIA / SC 1852” vertically at tail. Barrel breech originally had William Glaze proofs but are not visible due to heavy firing pitting. Buttplate is overstrike surcharged “SC” over “US”, uniquely Palmetto numbered to match stock. Tang screw is original Palmetto round & semi domed head, Federal always flat. Barrel originally .54 bored & shot out to .58 smoothbore, no discernible rifling, retains unique Palmetto original brass blade front sight top mounted bayonet lug, rear sight is a unique Palmetto tall & thin "tombstone" not standard Federal 1841. This Palmetto Rifle really "Saw the Elephant" and is an honest example that survived the war complete & intact. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 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, & illustrated record sheet of authority by Dr. Fred Novy on this rifle. CONDITION: good to very good overall, appears original and complete as used during Civil War. Hammer is Federal replacement, note the "U" shaped cross hatch, Palmetto had downward cross hatch upside down “V”. iron patina with heavy pitting at breech as noted. Lock has fine markings, all discernible, even the fronds & leaflets clear on Palmetto tree. Mechanically fine with smooth pitted bore. 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 collection. (01-21004/JS). ANTIQUE. $12,000-15,000.