Glaze is well know for his Civil War connection to the South's Palmetto Armory.
However, a very nicely made and high condition, SxS perc shotgun, with his name on the locks has recently surfaced. The proofs are apparently Euro/English -- I have not seen them first hand. I informed the present owner was that it was a common practice for an American gunmaker to import guns, and mark them under his own name for retail sale. While, thanks to this board, I am aware of native gunmakers that made fine and high end SxS shotguns here, it was unlikely given the proofs, that the gun was made in his shop.
"Could it possibly have been stocked and assembled from imported parts?" "Prob'ly not." is my thot, but I'm hardly a historical arms expert. I'll leave that to them, upon examination to-hand.
By the phone description and my questions, it sounds as tho it is more than a just a utilitarian piece. As well, there is the ghost and four screw holes of a presentation plaque on the RH side of the butt. With so little info presently to go on, this query is just for background info. When speaking with a local 'national level' Civil War goods dealer, he informed me that he knows of no William Glaze marked civilian guns.
However,if a gunsmith in Charlestown, SC ran a famous armory during that war, it seems unlikely to me that he wouldn't have left a record of some manner in the civil trade, both before and after the hostilities.
So, this is my question, until closer examination allows more specifics:
Does anyone here have reference to William Glaze of Charlestown, SC as a Civilian Gunsmith and Retailer, before and after the War?
I see a quick Google produced a least one apparent biography, but I am much pressed for time these days, and any leads or info the assembled may supply, is much appreciated
