This carbine is similar to known Civil War contract carbines sold to various states including Kentucky except that it has a .54 bore barrel instead of a .44. It has a pinched blade front sight and two leaf folding rear sight. The right side of the receiver has the Ballard's patent information, and the left has Merwin & Bray's agent markings. It is mounted with a straight wrist walnut stock and forearm with sling swivels on the barrel band and butt.