If only his store inventory could talk
If the merchandise at Crossroads Tradin' Post in Florence could talk one would likely hear some fascinating stories. But it is doubtful that any would be more captivating than the stories the three Civil War-era rifles would be able to share.
Crossroads Tradin' Post owner Erik King got the guns from a relative who found them in the attic of an old plantation home he bought in Washington, N.C.
King has had a life-long interest in firearms and has collected them for many years. The relative knew of King's hobby and sold the guns to him.
"They are pretty interesting," said King. "They are all from the Confederacy."
One of the Confederate rifles has an 1858 metal slave patrol badge nailed to the stock. On the stock of another is nailed a belt buckle with the initials C.S. signifying Confederate States. Carved in that rifle stock are the initials of its owner, his rank, and his military unit — "M.D., Private, 2nd Tennessee."
Into the third rifle stock someone has carved "1862 Shiloh, I was there."
Numbers stamped into the back of that rifle stock indicate when and where it was made.
"There is some interesting old story behind this," said King as he ran his finger over the words carved in the wood.
As fascinating as the Civil War weapons might be, King said they are not the rarest guns he has. An 1873 Winchester made for the Spanish Army rests against the south wall. It is one of only five in existence.
"I really enjoy the old Winchesters," said King. "And they are easy to research, because the company is still in business and their archives are pretty complete."
King's supply of guns, hunting equipment, and ammunition make up the lion's share of his inventory. The guns are a combination of new and used.
He also carries fishing equipment, a large variety of tools, some jewelry, and miscellaneous items.
"When people bring items in we will either make an outright purchase, trade for what is in stock, or even make a small short-term loan," said King.
He said he does not carry electronics or computers.
"I don't have the space for it and that stuff can be outdated in no time," he said.
King's store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. John Dauber of Florence works at Crossroads Tradin' Post when King is putting in his time as acting chief of police for the city. The store is closed Sunday and Monday.
"The community response has been real good so far," he said. "We've had lots of traffic."
King said his contacts in law enforcement also have worked in his favor. He is able to let his fellow officers know when certain firearms are available and he is willing to offer them weapons at a reduced price.
He bought the Main Street building (the former B.Y.O.B. Liquor Store) and the adjacent empty lot. "If business stays as good as it has been I may expand to carry more merchandise," he said. "It's already getting a little crowded in here."
More inventory may mean more interesting stories at Crossroads Tradin' Post. But it'll be mighty hard to top the tales the Civil War firearms could tell — if only they could talk.
