This is an extremely rare example of the estimated 400-700 percussion, muzzle-loading carbines manufactured by Bilharz, Hall and Co., of Pittsylvania, Courthouse, Virginia, from late 1863 to early 1864. Manufacture of these rarely encountered Confederate cavalry carbines was originally attributed to D.C. Hodgkins and Sons of Macon, Georgia. Recent research indicates that the carbines were manufactured by Bilharz, Hall and Co.. The carbine is very similar to the U.S. Springfield Model 1855 percussion carbine and has the same 3/4-length stock and swivel-mounted ramrod. The barrel is fitted with a fixed, dovetail mounted front and rear sight. The trigger guard has a large sling ring attached to the rear bow. The carbine has a iron, trigger guard, buttplate and spring fastened barrel band. The forearm tip is pewter. A large "P" is stamped on the left side of the barrel at the breech. There are no visible markings on the lock plate or stock.