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 carbine 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 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 22 inches long with markings on the octagonal portion, just forward of the sight on three different facets:
BALLARD'S PATENT
NOV. 5.1861
BALL & WILLIAMS
Worcester, Mass.
MERWIN & BRAY. AGT'S
NEW YORK.
Serial number 2279 is stamped on the barrel behind of the rear sight and also on the receiver top, while the shortened number 279 is present on the block. The Ballard carbine was produced by five different firms and it is estimated that a total of 24,000 were made.
The metal surfaces are in good condition, though the finish is worn, with some light peppering in places Barrel Markings are mostly legible, so this example does not appear to have been refinished. The walnut stocks may have been arsenal reconditioned and the butt stock definitely has some gouges that were sanded out. Bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish, and just a bit of dirt and oxidation in the grooves. The revolver action cycles correctly, with the only issue being the manual ejector under the forestock sticking at times.
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: 1864
Caliber: .44
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Action: Falling Breech with Manual Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
- IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to posses, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in live condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
