Originally attributed to D.C. Hodgkins & Sons of Macon, Georgia. More recent research indicates that these carbines were made by Bilharz, Hall & Co. of Pittsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, for the Confederate Government in late 1863 to early 1864 with a total number produced estimated at only somewhere between 400-700. The carbine is a 58 caliber muzzle loader with a 22 inch barrel, which was closely copied after the Springfield Model 1855 carbine. The only visible marking on the outside is a "P" marked on the left side of the barrel near the breech. Fixed iron blade front and notch rear sights. Mounted in a one piece straight grip walnut stock with iron fittings. A sling ring is mounted at the back of the trigger guard. Like a lot of Confederate arms, these were apparently handmade due to the lack of the facilities, unlike that of the North. Serial number "523" marked on the rear face of the barrel and on the underside of the breech. Information on these carbines and other pictured examples can be found on pages 17-28 of the book, "Confederate Carbines & Musketoons" by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus.

Very good, exhibiting genuine Confederate use. The barrel has a gray brown patina with heavy flash pitting from the rear sight to the tang and moderate surface rust on the balance of the barrel. The trigger guard and buttplate have exposed rust and pitting. Artificially aged modern professionally made replacement ramrod retainer. Stock is good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered light scratches and dings, a chip and some wear to the right of the barrel tang, a crack behind the lock, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, what appears to be a 1/2-inch diameter knot hole in the right of the buttstock, and moderate handling wear. Mechanically fine. This is a solid representative example of a very rare Confederate Bilharz, Hall and Co. carbine that would be a stand out piece in any Confederate or Civil War small arms collection. This example, proudly wearing its scars from hard period use, exemplifies what most Confederate collectors desire!