Product Description
STATE MILITIA Antique CIVIL WAR Era BALL & WILLIAMS BALLARD .44 RF Carbine
Scarce Carbine Likely Used by State Militia
Here we present an antique Ball & Williams Ballard Carbine in .44 Rimfire, made circa 1862 by Ball & Williams in Worcester, Massachusetts. Manufactured from 1862 to 1865, Ball & Williams received a U.S. Government contract for 5,000 of these carbines in January of 1864. They delivered 1,000 by March 16, 1864 and 500 by August 1, 1864 before forfeiting the balance of the contract because of higher prices from their Kentucky contracts. 1,200 were sent to Vermont and another 600 were rejected by the government and sold on the open market. The left side of the receiver is marked “BALL & WILLIAMS / Worcester Mass.” MERWIN & BRAY AGTS / N. Y. is the next line. The upper right side of the receiver is marked “BALLARDS PATENT / NOV. 5, 1861”.
The Ballard design was one of the favorite long arms during the Civil War period, though production numbers do not necessarily reflect it. The original designer was Charles H. Ballard, and his agents Merwin & Bray, oversaw production between several different companies. It was a simple, single-shot falling block action and was one of the early guns that would fire a metallic cartridge. Though many of these were purchased by the state of Kentucky, this model was not made for a specific contract, state or otherwise, like many others. However, this was made during the war period and may very well have been thrust into a militia role.
The overall condition is good. Strong action. The bore is bright and has retained satisfactory rifling. Solid stock with less than average wear. Markings are legible. Numbers match.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 22 inches.
Caliber: .44 Rimfire
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
www.ancestryguns.com
$1800
#244051