Originally attributed to D.C. Hodgkins & Sons of Macon, Georgia. More recent research indicates that these carbines were made by Bilharz, Hall & Co. of Pittsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, for the Confederate Government in late 1863 to early 1864 with a total number produced estimated at only somewhere between 400-700. The carbine is a 58 caliber muzzle loader with a 22 inch barrel, which was closely copied after the Springfield Model 1855 carbine. The only visible marking on the outside is a "P" marked on the left side of the barrel near the breech. Fixed iron blade front and notch rear sights. Mounted in a one piece straight grip walnut stock with iron fittings. A sling ring is mounted at the back of the trigger guard. Like a lot of Confederate arms, these were apparently handmade due to the lack of the facilities, unlike that of the North. Serial number "523" marked on the rear face of the barrel and on the underside of the breech. Information on these carbines and other pictured examples can be found on pages 17-28 of the book, "Confederate Carbines & Musketoons" by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus.