The Ballard rifle is a .46 caliber, rimfire, single shot, breechloading longarm used late during the Civil War. The Ballard arms (rifle and carbine) were invented and patented by Charles H. Ballard of Worcester, Mass in November 1861. Between 1862 and 1865, some 3,000 of these rifles were produced by the Ball & Williams Company of Worcester with most of their production destined for military use.

This Ballard rifle stamped with serial #10718 on the rounded frame has a 30” long round barrel fitted to a two-piece, black walnut stock. Shoulder stock slightly loose to the receiver tangs with a surface crack near comb and a small wood repair on right front edge near operating lever lock pin. Longarm measures 45” in total length and is secured to stock via three barrel bands. Has the external cartridge extractor on underside of forestock.

Entire barrel appears untouched and wears a dark gray, mottled surface with scattered rust pitting and oxidations area over the surface. Receiver also not cleaned and shows fair to moderate pitting on the surface overall. Maker markings on the barrel are very thin but are visible and read “BALL & WILLIAMS / Worcester, Mass.” No original finish on barrel or frame. No cartouches visible. Serial number (10718) stamped on top of barrel at breech and on two-piece ‘split’ breechblock at hammer. Small, two-leaf rear sight with “100 YDS” stamped on back of sight. Rifle mechanics strong. Bore is dusty with moderate pitting. One sling swivel is secured to the middle barrel band but second swivel on underside of the stock is broken off. No sling rings. Some screws lightly buggered. A seldom seen specimen of Civil War longarm.

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