{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-ballards-patent-carbine-in-44-rimfire-serial-5005","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Ballard's Patent Carbine in .44 Rimfire - Serial 5005","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One Only. The Ballard is a single-shot, breech loading firearm used late during the Civil War. The .44 caliber, percussion carbine was invented and patented by Charles H. Ballard of Worcester, Mass in November 1861. Produced by the Ball \u0026amp; Williams Company of Worcester between 1862 and 1865, this carbine measures 37” long overall with a single barrel band and has a two-piece, black walnut stock. The part-octagonal and part-round barrel is 20 1\/4 inches long with markings on the octagonal portion, just forward of the sight on three different facets:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBALLARD'S PATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOV. 5.1861\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBALL \u0026amp; WILLIAMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorcester, Mass.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMERWIN \u0026amp; BRAY. AGT'S\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW YORK.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial number \u003cstrong\u003e5005\u003c\/strong\u003e is stamped on the barrel behind of the rear sight and also on the receiver top. The shortened number \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e is present on the block and other components. The Ballard carbine was produced by five different firms and it is estimated that a total of 24,000 were made. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metal surfaces are in good condition, though the finish is worn. Barrel Markings are fully legible, so this example does not appear to have been refinished. Walnut stock may have been slightly sanded and has a crack near the tang and on the left foregrip. Bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves with a bright finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":5778482233382,"sku":"ON9768","price":1995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON9768__01.jpg?v=1599453465","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-ballards-patent-carbine-in-44-rimfire-serial-5005","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}