Ballard (Merrimack Arms & Manufacturing Co.) Carbines
Overall length 37.25"; barrel (bore) length 22"; caliber .44 rimfire. Markings: same as Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co. sporting rifles. In March 1866, state of New York purchased 100 Ballard carbines (serial numbers about 18,500 to 18,600) for use by its prison guards. In January 1870, an additional 70 (serial numbers 19,400 to 19,500) were purchased from New York City arms merchants Merwin, Hulbert & Co. to arm guards at Sing Sing Prison. Between these two purchases Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co. had shortened its new "tangless" frames by .125", prime distinction between the two purchases. Despite rarity of both types of carbines, they do not command high prices.
Antique
Excellent$0000
Fine$0000
Very Good$0000
Good$0000
Fair$0000
Poor$0000