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 appears to have seen little, if any, use at all and is likely one of a very select few that was not issued and most likely instead sat in government storage. Features a blade front sight, standard notch and folding leaf rear sight, Ballard patent markings on the right of the frame, Ball & Williams and Merwin & Bray markings on the left of the frame, "M.M" inspection initials on various components, "H" inspection mark on top of the stock ahead of the buttplate tang, and a circled script "MM" inspection cartouche on the left of the stock. Provenance: The David Aroh Collection; The Ron Bucholtz Collection

Excellent, retains 90% plus original blue finish with a few scattered minor nicks, and a small patch of light pitting on the left of the frame. 99% vivid original case colors visible on the hammer. 97% plus original nitre blue finish remains on the breech block, and 70% plus original nitre blue finish on the barrel band and breech lever with some scattered flaking and smooth gray/brown patina on the balance. Sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is also excellent with defined edges, some light handling marks, a few small chips ahead of the buttplate, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This is the finest example of a Civil War U.S. inspected Ball & Williams Ballard carbine we have ever had the opportunity to offer at Rock Island Auction Company, and it would make an excellent addition to any U.S. Martial collection!