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.

Fair. The metal surfaces have a mixture of gray and brown patina with patches of oxidation and mild pitting. The rear of the frame has some applied brown. The wood is good with some minor pressure marks and slight scrapes. The action is fine. Most of the markings are obscured.