CIVIL WAR BALL CAVALRY CARBINE 52-56

Here is an original Civil War Ball Cavalry Carbine made by Lamson & Company of Windsor Vermont. It is chambered for the .52-56 Spencer cartridge. The Ball was a lever-action, repeating carbine fed from a tubular magazine in the forearm. The U.S. Government ordered a thousand of these in 1864. The contract was not finished until 1865 after the cessation of hostilities. Collectors do consider the Ball to be a Civil War era gun. Total production of this carbine was only 1002 guns, making them fairly rare. This gun is in very good condition. There is no finish on the barrel. It has a brown speckled steel patina. About 30% of the case color remains on the frame mostly on the right side. The left side has a speckled, dark brown patina. The lever and butt also exhibit this speckled steel patina. The bore and mechanics are excellent. The stock is in fine condition with a scattering of small dings and scratches from use. There is a visible inspector's cartouche on the left side of the wrist. This is a rare carbine in decent condition.