This is a very fine example of a rare martially inspected Ball and Williams carbine that was manufactured circa 1862 to 1865, Ball & Williams received a U.S. Government contract for 5,000 of these carbines in January of 1864. They delivered 1,000 by March 16, 1864 and 500 by August 1, 1864 before forfeiting the balance of the contract because of higher prices from their Kentucky contracts.1,200 were sent to Vermont and another 600 were rejected by the government and sold on the open market. The left side of the receiver is marked "BALL & WILLIAMS/Worcester Mass." over "MERWIN & BRAY AGTS/NEW YORK", and the inspection mark "MM" vertically at the front. The upper right side of the receiver is marked "BALLARDS PATENT/NOV. 5, 1861". The matching serial number is marked on the top barrel flat and top of the receiver at the breech and the partial serial number "884" is marked on the left side of the breechblock over "MM". The "MM" is also found on the buttplate tang. Pinched blade front sight and two leaf folding rear sight graduated to 500 yards. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with an iron carbine buttplate, boxed "MM" cartouche on the left side of the stock and a small "H" on the comb ahead of the buttplate tang.

Very fine. The metal surfaces, except the lever and breechblock, have an attractive smooth copper brown finish with scattered traces of the original blue finish in protected areas.There is a small amount of very mild pitting on the right side of the receiver. The breech block retains 50% original bright blue finish with smooth gray patina on the balance and the lever retains 40% original blue finish mixed with smooth gray patina. Overall the raised feathered grain wood is excellent with a couple of small, but deep dents on the toe area of the stock and overall there are a few scattered minor dents and dings. The cartouche and markings are crisp and clear. The mechanics are excellent. A very nice, rare martially marked Ball & Williams Ballard Civil War carbine that is absent in most collections. Here is your chance to own one!