This "Side Lever Hall" is one of approximately 10,500 manufactured by Simeon North in the mid-1840s to mid-1850s. It was originally smoothbore but has been rifled, likely for use in the Civil War. It may have been one of the 5,000 carbines that were part of the well-known Hall Carbine Affair which involved carbines sold from the New York arsenal for just $3.50 each as obsolete arms and immediately arranged to be sold to General Fremont's troops for $22 each and shipped to St. Louis after being rifled. This price was more than what the government paid for brand new Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers and close to the price the government paid for "Enfield" rifle-muskets. This "1852" dated example has the standard markings and features, including a "JH" inspector's mark at the breech and a script "WAT" cartouche on the right stock flat and another on the left (probably "JH").

Fair with mottled gray and brown patina and mild pitting throughout and a refinished stock with faint cartouche and numerous scrapes and dents from use, a repair on the top of the wrist at the back of the action (fairly common), and a few small chips. Mechanically fine.