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Item No.:	10730	Price :	$2,750.00
Item :	RARE, GOVERNMENT INSPECTED BALLARD CARBINE, .44 CALIBER

Description :

This is an original, Civil War Ballard Carbine manufactured by Ball & Williams of Worcester, Massachusetts. The Ballard was a single shot, breech loading, falling block design of .44 caliber rimfire. Total production of rifles and carbines was 15,600 arms. The majority of these went to military contracts during the war. The U.S. Government contracted for 5,000 of these carbines in January of 1864. Ball & Williams produced 1,500 by August of 1864 and then forfeited the remainder of the contract. They were making more money on their Kentucky state contracts than on the Federal contract. These Government contract guns have inspector's markings and are fitted with sling swivels on the butt and barrel band. With only 1,500 produced they are quite rare. 1,200 of these Ballards were sent to the Vermont militia after the St. Albens raid by escaped Confederate prisoners. This carbine is in good condition. There is no original finish remaining. The entire gun has a steel gray and brown patina. There are some dings on the barrel behind the front sight and a rust spot or two. There are some dark spots on the lever and on the butt plate. The gun works well mechanically. The bore is good. There is some light pitting, but the rifling is strongly visible along the bore's length. The stock is in good condition with a scattering of dings and scratches from use. There is a small crack in the forearm running forward from the front screw. There is an "MM" inspector's cartouche stamped on the left side of the butt. The rear sight is real, but possibly replaced, given the amount of finish remaining. This is a rare Civil War arm. Stock no. 32261

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