A Palmetto Model 1842 percussion pistol in .54 caliber, carrying no serial number and dated to about 1852. The 8.5-inch round barrel is proofed. Iron parts have a shiny grey patina with heavy oxidation throughout, and the lock plate markings are faint but readable, with COLUMBIA / S.C. / 1852 at the rear. The stock is good with a crack noted at the upper side plate screw, and the action holds at both half and full cock. Only 1,000 of these were produced for the South Carolina Militia.

For a Delaware collector the draw is scarcity: a Southern-made martial pistol from a run of a thousand, with its Columbia lock marking intact. It is sold as a used antique in the condition stated, with the oxidation and stock crack disclosed, and belongs in a display case rather than at the range. Delaware treats the transfer as a handgun sale, so the buyer must be 21 or older and the dealer handles photo identification, Form 4473 and the background check.

Key features

• .54 caliber, 8.5-inch round proofed barrel
• Lock marked COLUMBIA / S.C. / 1852
• One of 1,000 made for the South Carolina Militia
• Action holds at half and full cock
• Stock crack at upper side plate screw

Shipping is to the licensed Delaware dealer you choose, who completes the transfer paperwork and background check with you.