Fresh from an old North Florida collection, As I wiped the dust off, my first impression was that this is just a gun that was made up of parts. Upon examination, I noticed that the deep, dark patina on all of the atypical parts matched the rest of the gun. That observation piqued my interest, and upon close examination, I noticed the 1st. The barrel band was obviously from a M1842 musket, streamlined and adapted to fit. A pin was driven into the stock to secure it. That observation prompted me to get out my trusty certified Columbo magnifying glass and delve deeper, and initiate a more thorough examination. The sling swivels and bayonet lug have been crudely removed, appearing to have been facilitated with a chisel. Opposite the lock carved into the stock are the initials ARM, SCV and CSA. Obviously, this is ARM for the soldier who carried it, SCV for South Carolina Volunteers, and CSA for Confederate States of America. On the back of the stock, opposite the lock are what appear to be the initials Mc. A quick search on The American Civil War Research Database finds at least 9 patriots listed that have the ARM.. With the initials Mc also visible on the back of the stock, one could deduce that those initials could be the first 2 letters of the last name. Noting that those initials are big M, little c that leaves us with only 3 possibilities, and 2 of those are probably the same individual. Arthur R. McClure, 1st South Carolina light artillery, and possibly A.R. McCormick, 26th South Carolina infantry, and 9th South Carolina infantry battalion. You decide. The carving is definitely original and contemporary with the use of the gun.

All iron parts exist with a very deep, dark, untouched patina, having never been cleaned. The wood is nice with the usual nicks and dings that beam with character. Please do not call me and ask me how the bore is because I will probably hang up on you, maybe even worse after 2 beers. As my friend and colleague Raphael Elledge of Shiloh relics would say, " The cool factor is off the charts."