The absence of Ball & Williams or Dwight, Chapin & Co. markings on this carbine indicate it is one of the 1,000 carbines assembled by Ball & Williams and sold to the State of Kentucky in April 1864. The receiver is marked "MERWIN & BRAY/AGT'S N.Y." on left side and "BALLARD'S PATENT/NOV 5, 1861" on right side. It has a blade front sight, notch rear sight with folding leaf, an extractor on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, and sling swivels on the barrel band and bottom of the stock.

Fine. 30% plus of the faded, dark original blue finish remains, primarily on the barrel, and the balance has brown patina and some limited patches of minor pitting. The wood is very good and has scattered dings, scratches, and pressure marks. The action functions fine and the markings are legible.