Although traditionally listed as being produced by D.C. Hodgkins & Sons of Macon, Georgia, more recent research by H.M. Madaus and reported by J.M. Murphy in "Confederate Carbines and Musketoons", indicates the carbines were made by Bilharz, Hall and Co. of Pittsylvania Courthouse, Virginia in late 1863 to early 1864. The quantity made for the Confederate government is estimated at between 400 and 700 and were, as expected, apparently handmade. Copied very closely to the Springfield Model 1855, this is a 58 caliber muzzle loading carbine with a 22 inch round barrel. The only visible markings are "CSA" on the top of the barrel at the breech and "P" below that on the left side. The carbine has iron mountings and an iron tulip head ramrod. There is a sling swivel mounted on the bottom of the barrel at the muzzle, and the barrel is fitted with a fixed pinched blade front and "V" notch rear sights. A sling ring is mounted on the front of the trigger guard. The barrel appears to have been finished brown with casehardening on the remaining parts. The carbine is mounted with a one piece straight grip half-stock with a brass forend cap.

Very good. The barrel, buttplate and trigger guard have a crisp brown patina with areas of silver gray and minor spotting. The remaining metal surfaces have a silver gray patina with moderate spotting. The forend cap has a natural, untouched dark aged patina. The stock is good with a large gouge on the right side of the buttstock, gouges on the left side of the wrist area and overall minor to moderate dents, scratches and gouges which are usually associated with confederate firearms. The stock does remain solid. The barrel markings are crisp and clear. The action is fine. A solid example of an extremely rare Confederate carbine. A must for any serious Confederate collection.