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CIVIL WAR Antique “LAST DITCH” 1855-Style Carbine
Guns International #: 101190896 Seller's Inventory #: 6419
Category: Civil War Carbines - Antique Rifles - Percussion
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: 1069
Total Number of Listings: 42651
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique “LAST DITCH” 1855-Style Carbine
Battle of Malvern Hill Reference!
Here we present a very interesting & mysterious antique “B, H & CO” Marked Percussion Carbine. This carbine was obviously patterned after the Springfield Model 1855 Carbine, though there are some notable differences. This piece’s markings are what make this interesting. “B, H & CO” could very well stand for Bilharz, Hall & Co., a Confederate arms maker in Pittsylvania Courthouse, Virginia who just so happened to produce Model 1855-style carbines for the Southern war effort. An estimated 400-700 were made between 1862 and 1864.
Another interesting marking on this piece is the circular stamp on the right side of the butt stock which reads “MALVERN HILL VA” with a date of “1862” in the center. This seems to be a reference to the Battle of Malvern Hill, not far from Richmond, Virginia, in which the Confederacy suffered a significant and costly defeat.
In addition, this carbine is numbered on virtually every component “687”. Numbering was something that Bilharz, Hall & Co. was known to do. They were also known for their crude sort of handiwork, the kind that this carbine displays. Instead of being completely produced in-house, at least some of the components appear to have been repurposed from other arms. For example, the hammer, nipple bolster with the clean out screw, and butt plate notched for a patchbox appear to be those from a Model 1855 Musket, possibly parts captured when Harpers Ferry was looted and burned.
The lock, top of the barrel and the left side of the stock are all marked with “B, H & CO”. All parts, from the stock, barrel, exterior of the lock, interior of the lock on each part, butt plate, trigger guard, trigger tang, sling swivel, rear sight, hammer, fore end cap, ramrod, screw heads, and barrel are marked with the number “687”. The inside of the lock plate has a “V” as well. Ramrod is iron with a brass band around the circumference of the tulip head and threaded at the end. While the numbering like that of Bilharz, Hall & Co., the other markings are not. This “B, H & Co.” marking is not usually observed as it is on this piece, and “CSA/P” is usually present and is not on this piece. Could it be something that the Southern firm put together as a “last ditch” sort of weapon? It is certainly possible. This little carbine has been together for some time given the weathering and wear. It also demonstrates the sort of cruder workmanship that was known in Southern gun-making during the war.
The overall condition is fair. The iron surfaces are dark with light pitting throughout. The markings are clear. The numbers match. The walnut stock is in good shape with a short 1-3/4 inch crack along the grain from the ramrod tube and a little soldier graffiti on the left side. The bore is heavily oxidized and dusty with visible rifling underneath. The action is strong. There is no half-cock notch on the tumbler. Here is a curious little carbine that looks like it was there. This may be a diamond in the rough or it may fill a Model 1855 Carbine or Bilharz Carbine shaped hole in someone’s collection as each are exceedingly hard to find.
Barrel is 21-3/4 inches.
Caliber: .58 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$2650
#6419
SOLD
Antique: Yes