This is a very rare Confederate carbine manufactured by the firm of Bilharz, Hall & Company at their Pittsylvania Court House, Virginia location. Previously these carbines were believed to have been produced by D.C. Hodgkins & Sons of Macon, Georgia. The company was founded by Candidus Bilharz and George W. Hall, with the "Company" being a Colonel L.D. Bennett. In 1862 the firm delivered 100 breechloading carbines to the Confederate Ordnance Department. The unusual "rising breechblock" breech loader was not well received and production ceased. Bilharz, Hall & Co, then turned to producing muzzleloading carbines based off the U.S. Model 1854 muzzleloading carbine. The Model 1854 carbine had been issued to the 1st and 2nd Cavalry to supplement their Colt pistols and sabers. These weapons were replaced by Sharps and Burnside carbines. There is scant evidence showing where the 2nd Cavalry turned their Model 54's in to the San Antonio Arsenal. These weapons were seized in early 1861 when Texas seceded from the Union. How one of these captured Model 1854 carbines made it to Virginia to serve as the model for the Bilharz, Hall & Company carbine is unknown. A sample of their muzzleloading carbine was submitted to the Confederate Ordnance Department in March, 1863. After inspection, a contract was awarded to Bilharz for an unknown number of carbines, thought to be for 1000. Their first delivery was recorded on 22 may, 1863 for 191 carbines at the Richmond Armory. The firm continued to produce their carbine through 1864, and while the total number made is unknown, it is believed that approximately 750 were made. The Bilharz carbines are identified by two types. Serial number 350 and under have brass nosecaps, while 351 through the 700 serial number range have pewter nosecaps. This Bilharz, Hall & Company carbine is in very good condition. It has an overall length of 37 3/4", with a barrel length of 22". The .58 caliber bore is dark and rusty. The exterior of the heavy round barrel has significant pin pricking and pitting around the breech, tang and bolster area up to the rear sight. From the rear sight forward to the front sight the barrel is smooth and unblemished. Forward of the front sight the muzzle is lightly pitted. The magical letters CSA were stamped on the top of the barrel by the bolster of these carbines, along with a large letter P. They are no longer visible on this little war horse. The serial number of 437 is stamped into the rear of the barrel by the breechplug, along with B21 stamped into the bottom of the barrel. The inside of the lock is stamped B21, and the sear is stamped 18. The inside of the hammer also bears the B21 stamp. The inside of the trigger guard is stamped with a large P. The number 21 is stamped into bottom of the stock to the rear of the trigger guard. The single barrel band is retained by a spring. Unlike most Cavalry carbines, this model never had a sling bar and ring. Instead a round sling swivel riveted to the rear of the trigger bow. All hardware is iron and shares the same mild plum patina throughout. The stock is in good condition, showing nice edges along the barrel channel. There are two age cracks on the left stock flat emanating from the lock plate screw escutcheons. Like many Confederate arms, there are some carvings on the stock. On the right stock comb just behind the wrist the letters VA are carved upside down. About 2" behind that, the letters VAB and possibly Roman numerals are carved into the stock. The left stock comb has a V carved on it. On the underside of the stock forward of the trigger guard the letter F and what appear to mountains or possibly a crown are carved. The only piece that keeps it from being in it's 100% original condition is the ramrod. it is no longer retained by the original stirrups, another common Confederate trait found with swivel type ramrod equipped weapons. There is no doubt that this rare Confederate manufactured carbine is in it's original, untouched wartime condition. An excellent informational booklet will accompany this rare Confederate weapon to it's new owner. This one is a must for the serious Confederate collector!