SOLD:Ball Repeating Carbine

The Ball Repeating Carbine was patented in 1864 by Albert Ball and manufactured by E.G. Lamson & Co., in Windsor VT from 1864 to 1865. Approximately, 1000 carbines were produced under government contract. Also referred to as the Lamson and Ball carbine or the Ball Model of 1865 carbine, the arms were .50 caliber rimfire lever action, repeating military carbines and feature a 7-round tubular magazine under the forearm, 20-inch barrel, saddle ring, and lever that doubles as a triggerguard. The metal was blued or case-hardened and the stock wood walnut with a single barrel band on the three-quarter length forearm. Although delivery of these carbines occurred after the war ended, collectors consider them to be Civil War military arms.

Markings on this Ball Repeating carbine are found on the receiver, left side, and read ‘E.G. LAMSON & CO/WINDSOR VT./U.S./BALLS PATENT/JUNE 23, 1863/MAR. 15. 1864. The letter ‘S’ is stamped on the saddle ring bar and on the tail of the lower receiver tang. An inspection cartouche is stamped on the stock wrist, left side behind the receiver.

In good overall condition, this Lamson and Ball carbine has an aged patina on the metal surfaces, along with areas of mild frosting and pitting, especially on the buttplate. The markings and cartouche remain crisp. The wood stock and forearm are in very good condition with some minor service wear and markings with no cracks or major chips. The bore is in very good condition and is semi-bright with areas of minor frosting, no pitting, and well-define rifling.

An attractive example of a Ball Repeating Carbine that would fill an empty space in a Civil War carbine collection or make a great shooter on the range.

See pictures for overall condition. Antique. Check with a local FFL dealer to confirm your state laws governing ownership of an antique firearm before purchasing this item.