1858-1859 N.C. Sess. Laws 34-36, Pub. Laws, An Act Entitled Revenue, ch. 25, § 27, pt. 15.
"The following subjects shall be annually listed, and be taxed the amounts specified: . . . Every dirk, bowie-knife, pistol, sword-cane, dirk-cane and rifle cane, used or worn about the person of any one at any time during the year, one dollar and twenty-five cents. Arms used for mustering shall be exempt from taxation."