Ball & Williams were originally contracted to manufacture 5,000 of these carbines in January 1864 but ultimately only delivered 1,500 before abandoning the contract in favor of better profits received from contracts for the Kentucky cavalry. Of the 1,500 delivered to the federal government, 1,200 were issued to the Vermont militia after the St. Albans Raid, the northernmost land battle of the war. It features a blade front sight, standard notch and folding leaf rear sight, Ballard patent markings on the right side of the frame, Ball & Williams and Merwin & Bray markings on the left of the frame, "M.M" inspection initials on various components, and a bordered script "MM" cartouche stamped on the left of the stock.

Very good plus with 20% original blue finish, mostly brown patina, scattered spotting and oxidation, and defined markings. Wood is also very good as re-oiled, with a clearly legible cartouche, numerous scattered light scratches and handling marks. Mechanically fine.