These Model 1842 pistols were manufactured at the Palmetto Armory circa 1852-1853 for the South Carolina militia. This example is marked "PALMETTO ARMORY" in an arch over a Palmetto palm tree above "S*C" at the center of the lock, "COLUMBIA/S C. 1852" at the tail of the lock, "P/V" over a palmetto proof on the upper left of the barrel at the breech, and "Wm. GLAZE & CO." on the left barrel flat. It has a brass blade front sight, brass furniture, and modern replacement iron swivel ramrod. It is believed that William Glaze did not actually manufacture these pistols but instead had them assembled and finished using parts from Northern contractors who manufactured Model 1842 pistols on contract with the U.S. Government. Glaze's partner, Benjamin Flagg, was formerly the superintendent of Asa Waters factory in Massachusetts. Waters had formerly manufactured the Model 1836 flintlock pistols and transitional style early percussion pistols upon which these percussion pistols are based. These pistols are all assumed to have seen hard Confederate use in the Civil War and many were destroyed.

Good with smooth brown patina on the iron surfaces, moderate flash pitting, and clear lock markings. Brass retains an untouched attractive golden aged patina with numerous small period dings on the butt. Wood is fair as lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered light scratches, a chip on the right of the barrel channel, numerous minor chips around the lock, an absent section behind the bolster, and a crack running through the sideplate. Mechanically fine.