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.

The carbine is in very good condition and exhibits the little service wear usually inevitably found on genuine Confederate made weapons. The carbine is missing the swivel ramrod. The barrel has a gray brown patina with heavy flash pitting from the rear sight to the tang and moderate surface rust on the balance of the barrel. The bolster has heavy flash pitting and the hammer and lock have a deep brown patina. The "P" in the "CS/P" marking typically stamped on the breech of Bilharz and Hall carbines is visible but the "CS" marking is obscured by flash pitting. The trigger guard and buttplate have exposed rust and pitting. The stock has what appears to be a 1/2-inch diameter knot hole in the right side. There is a hair-line age crack on the right side of the stock at the rear tip of the lock plate and a second crack on the left side of the stock at the upper side-plate screw. The balance of the stock is in fine condition with moderate handling wear. This is a solid example of a very rare Confederate Bilharz, Hall and Co., percussion carbine that would be a stand out piece in any Confederate or Civil War small arms collection. This obviously totally original example exemplifies what most confederate collectors desire!