Item Description
Original Item: One Only. The Ballard is a single-shot, breech loading firearm used late during the Civil War. The .44 caliber, percussion rifle was invented and patented by Charles H. Ballard of Worcester, Mass in November 1861. Produced by the Ball & Williams Company of Worcester between 1862 and 1865, this slightly longer rifle version measures 39” long overall. The butt stock is the same as the carbine, but the fore stock is rifle style, without any barrel band, instead secured directly to the barrel via screws. The octagonal barrel is 24 inches long, and has a sling swivel attached to the bottom, matching the butt stock.
Usually we see these with markings on the barrel, but later examples moved them to the receiver. The right side of the action is marked:
BALLARD'S PATENT
NOV. 5.1861
The left side markings are unfortunately worn, but we can still make out much of them:
[BALL & WILL]IAMS
[Worcester, ]Mass.
MERWIN & BRAY. AGT'S
NEW YORK.
Serial number 11846 is stamped on the barrel behind of the rear sight and also on the receiver top, while the shortened number 531 is present on the left side of the breech block. While an estimated 24,000 Ballard carbines were produced by five different firms, only about 5,000 of the rifle are thought to have been made, making this quite a rare gun!
The metal surfaces are in good condition, though the finish is worn, with light peppering over most of the metalwork. The receiver are mostly legible, so this example does not appear to have been refinished. The walnut stocks are in very good condition, showing wear from use and age, but no cracks or other damage that we can see.
The bore is in good condition, with visible lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is definitely wear, and some fouling and oxidation in the grooves. The falling block action cycles correctly, with the manual ejector still fully functional. It has however had the original handle replaced by a piece of bent steel.
The early falling block action used was ahead of its time, but the competition with Sharps, Spencer and others was overwhelming. The result is that these Carbine are very scarce today but are essential to be included in any Civil War Carbine Collection. Fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications-
Years of Manufacture: circa 1864
Caliber: .44
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Overall Length: 39 1/2 inches
Action: Falling Breech with Manual Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
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This product is available for international shipping.
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