Ball & Williams manufactured an estimated 15,600 Ballard carbines in Worcester, Mass., in 1862-1865. They were the largest manufacturer of Ballard firearms before Marlin. 6,600 carbines are estimated to have been purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department during the Civil War, and the rest of the production is believed to have been sold on contract with various states. This example has no visible state or inspection markings, but it does have "A.H. COULTER" stamped on both sides of the buttstock. The significance is not clear. The carbine has blade, notch, and folding leaf sights and is marked with the Ballard and Ball & Williams markings on the top of the barrel and upper right barrel flat ahead of the rear sight. Matching full or partial serial numbers are marked on most components. The Ballard carbines were among the most advanced and reliable weapons of the Civil War. While most other Civil War weapons failed to remain relevant in the cartridge era, the basic Ballard action was so well designed that it was manufactured into the late 19th century and many are still shot today.

Very good. The barrel retains 25% of the fading original blue finish and has brown patina forming. The casehardened components primarily display brown and gray patina. There is some light spotting and minor marks throughout. The wood is fine and has some dings and scrapes. The markings remain crisp. Mechanically excellent.