Palmetto Model 1842 Musket
Palmetto Armory (William Glaze & Co.) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1852
Also known as: Palmetto Musket, Palmetto Armory Model 1842, South Carolina Palmetto Musket
Overview
The Palmetto Model 1842 Musket is a .69 caliber smoothbore percussion musket produced by William Glaze's Palmetto Armory in Columbia, South Carolina, as a state-contract copy of the U.S. Model 1842 percussion musket. Built largely from surplus and rejected Springfield parts to arm the South Carolina militia, it carries the distinctive palmetto-tree lockplate mark and brass barrel bands, and served as a secondary Confederate arm during the American Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4310 g (152.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1473 mm (57.99") |
| Barrel Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Muzzle Velocity | 305 m/s (1001 fps) |
| Effective Range | 91 m (100 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 183 m (200 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 3 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | White Metal |
Calibers
- .69 Caliber Musket Ball · primary — also known as 0.69 in, 17.5 mm ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded
- Features: Smoothbore Barrel, Muzzle Loaded, Percussion Lock, Brass Barrel Bands, Socket Bayonet Lug, Iron Buttplate, Palmetto Lockplate Marking
Production
Estimated total produced: 6,020 · Production years: 1852-1853
Produced under an 1851 South Carolina state contract to arm the militia; assembled largely from surplus and rejected Springfield Armory parts.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William Glaze
Discontinued: 1853
Notes
Under an 1851 South Carolina state contract the Palmetto Armory delivered roughly 6,020 Model 1842-type muskets between 1852 and 1853; lockplates are marked with a palmetto tree encircled by 'PALMETTO. S*C.' and dated 'COLUMBIA / S.C.'
Background
The palmetto tree stamped on the lockplate tied these muskets to South Carolina's state symbol; ordered during the secession crisis of the early 1850s, they became prized secondary Confederate arms and are among the most collectible of Southern-made martial long guns.