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1 of 1,500 U.S. CONTRACT Civil War BALLARD Carbine
Guns International #: 100958885 Seller's Inventory #: 5267
Category: Civil War Carbines - Ballard Rifles
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1467
Total Number of Listings: 29942
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
1 of 1,500 U.S. CONTRACT Civil War BALLARD Carbine
RARE Ball & Williams US Inspected .44 Rimfire Cavalry Carbine
Here we present a rare antique U.S. Contract Ballard Cavalry Carbine, made in 1864 by Ball & Williams in Worcester, Massachusetts. The U.S. government fielded an enormous variety of carbines during the American Civil War. This was, in part, due to the rapidly evolving firearms technology of the period, but primarily fueled by the massive arms shortages experienced by both sides during the conflict. The Ballard design was one of the favorites, 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.
This carbine features a half-octagon, half-round barrel. The rear sight has two leaves, the longer marked “200 YDS”. There is a manual cartridge extractor at the bottom of the fore end. The right side of the frame is marked “BALLARD’S PATENT/NOV. 5, 1861”. The left side of the frame is marked “BALL & WILLIAMS/WORCESTER MASS.” and below it “MERWIN & BRAY AGT’S/NEW YORK”.
This example is one of only 1,500 that were delivered to the U.S. government of a contract that was supposed to be 5,000. When the state of Kentucky took a particular liking to these carbines, Ball & Williams shifted production to the higher . As a result, these U.S. government inspected carbines are quite rare. This one features the inspector’s marks “M.M.” both in an oval cartouche on the left side of the stock, as well as in small stamps all over the gun. The serial number is also consistent with this contract. Of these 1,500, about 1,200 were issued to the Vermont state militia just after the Confederate attack on St. Albans, which was the Northernmost land raid of the American Civil War.
That story is an interesting one in which a Confederate officer escaped from a Union prison and fled to Canada. That officer, Lt. Bennett Young, succeeded in recruiting at least 17 other Confederate soldiers, who were also escapees to Canada. Young’s scheme was a well-coordinated bank robbery involving three banks in St. Albans and more in neighboring Swanton. St. Albans was a thriving town with an important railway headquarters, and was likely chosen for its proximity, several banks, and no expectation for a raid that far North. All the raiders arrived in St. Albans individually or in small groups in plain clothes and with cover stories. Complete surprise was achieved. On Wednesday, October 19, 1864, the rebels launched their ambush, successfully robbing the First National, Franklin County, and St. Albans Banks in quick fashion. Only one St. Albans citizen was killed and several injured during the robbery. Pursuit was given, and most of the raiders were rounded up on the Canadian side. However, most of the stolen money was never recovered and the raiders eventually went free under Canadian authority.
The overall condition of this carbine is near fine. Traces of the original blue finish remain, with the balance of the metal surfaces bearing a nice, even plum patina. The markings are clear and legible. Serial numbers match. The walnut stock is smooth, even and in great condition. Cartouche is clear. The bore is sharp and shiny. The action is excellent. Here is a fabulous example of a rare U.S. contract model of the Ball & Williams Ballard Carbine!
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.
ancestryguns
$4000
#5267
SOLD
Antique: Yes