William Glaze and Thomas W. Radcliff's Palmetto Armory in Columbia, South Carolina, received a state contract for 6,000 Model 1842 muskets. These were delivered in 1852 and 1853. These state contract muskets would have been among the better arms in the southern arsenals at the outbreak of the Civil War and saw extensive use throughout the war in the hands of Confederate soldiers. This musket has desirable rifled bore with three groove shallow rifling, making it an even more desirable weapon for a southern soldier during the war given the lack of sufficient rifle-muskets. Reportedly it is one of approximately 3,700 rifled under a South Carolina contract that lasted from February through August 1861. Palmetto Armory Model 1842 muskets are described on pages 212-218 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact musket photographed on page 212. It has a bayonet stud on the bottom near the muzzle, blade front sight on the upper barrel band, a dovetailed notch open type fixed rear sight, "SC" marked on the barrel tang and buttplate tang, "V/P/tree" proofs marked on the left side of the barrel at the breech, "W.G&CO." on the left barrel flat, "PALMETTO ARMORY/S*C" in a circle around a palm tree marked at the center of the lock, "COLUMBIA/S C. 1852" marked on the tail of the lock, brass barrel bands, iron remaining furniture, sling swivels on the middle barrel band and front of the trigger guard, and a "trumpet" head ramrod. Initials "LER" carved in the left stock flat and on the right of the buttstock. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with smooth dark brown patina overall, some scattered light pitting, and sharp markings. Lightly cleaned brass fittings retain an attractive bright color. Stock is also very good with scattered scratches, dents, chips, a small crack behind the lock, and a few hairline cracks on the left of the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is good with scattered mild pitting.