Ball & Williams were originally contracted to manufacture 5,000 of these carbines in January 1864 but ultimately only delivered 1,500 before abandoning the contract in favor of better profits received from contracts for the Kentucky cavalry. Of the 1,500 delivered to the federal government, 1,200 were issued to the Vermont militia after the St. Albans raid, the northernmost action of the war. This example has a blade front sight, standard notch and folding leaf rear sight, the Ballard patent on the right side of the frame, Ball & Williams and Merwin & Bray markings on the left side of the frame, "GH", "MM", and "H" inspection marks on the various components, and an "MM" cartouche on the left side of the stock. Includes wood tampion and period Watervliet Arsenal leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish mixed with mostly smooth brown patina, strong original case colors on the hammer, some light patches of oxidation, and some light nicks on the barrel. The wood is also fine with some mild handling wear, scattered dings and scuffs. Mechanically excellent.