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FRONTIER USED BALLARD No. 1 ½ HUNTERS MODEL IN DESIRABLE 45-70 WITH VERY RARE 32” ROUND BARREL
Guns International #: 101193457 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Ballard Rifles - Antique Rifles - Single Shot
Seller's Information
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Seller: goodmanguns
Company: William T. Goodman
Member Since: 10/16/15
First Name: William
Last Name: Goodman
State: Montana
Zip: 59715
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 587-3131
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 55
Total Number of Listings: 3268
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: checks, cashiers/bank check, money order
Description:
FRONTIER USED BALLARD No. 1 ½ HUNTERS MODEL IN DESIRABLE 45-70 WITH VERY RARE 32” ROUND BARREL, #18XXX, MADE BY THE MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY. This model was made by Marlin from 1876 to 1883. This example is a fairly high serial numbered rifle that was probably manufactured toward the end of production. I was told by the previous owner that it belonged to a Judge in Billings, Montana who is now very old and had to sell his gun collection. I was also informed that he found this Ballard years ago in Eastern Montana. I have little doubt that it has always been in this part of the country. The No. 1 1/2 Ballard was the no frills workhorse of the line made in .40-63 and .45-70 calibers. It was offered only in round 28”, 30” and 32” barrel lengths with the long 32” length being quite rare. The .45-70 chambering was popular on the Frontier West as it was powerful enough for the largest game found plus ammo could always be obtained at military forts. The last buffalo hunts were in Montana around 1883 and there is a good possibility that this old Ballard took a few from the last wild herds. Quoting from John T. Dutcher’s excellent and detailed book BALLARD, THE GREAT AMERICAN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE:“ It was good marketing savvy to offer a modern, strong rifle at a reasonable price. In their 1878 catalog dealers Turner & Ross listed the No. 1 ½ rifle for $28, while an 1873 Winchester lever action repeating rifle was $25, chambered for far less powerful cartridges, and the 1874 Sharps ‘Business Rifle’ with double set triggers was $35. Marlin Ballards were never cheaply made but were high quality rifles: however, some basic models such as these 1 ½ rifles are plainly finished, utilitarian pieces. This model was made from approximately 1876-77 until 1883. Most No. 1 ½ rifles were made by J. M. Marlin, but they still were listed in the 1883 Marlin Fire Arms Company catalog. Rarely is the Model 1 ½ found in fine condition.” This rifle has the desirable loop lever and retains the original long buckhorn rear sight with the short blade front sight. The barrel serial number (stamped under the forend) and the forend serial numbers match the receiver number. The barrel is an uncleaned mottled gray/brown and is clearly caliber stamped on the top ahead of the receiver “45 Govt.” Deep aged patina receiver, very tight action with the lever snapping closed smartly. The butt stock is fine with one hardly visible very old chip repair at the toe. The forend shows only normal wear with no chips or cracks. The bore is fine with good rifling all the way through and only light scattered surface roughness. These big Frontier Ballards don’t come up for sale often and this is a very desirable one with 32” barrel, ring or loop lever and .45-70 caliber.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY
Model: BALLARD No. 1 1/2 SPORTING RIFLE
Serial Number: 18XXX
Caliber Info: .45-70
Condition: ANTIQUE FINE
Barrels: 32" ROUND