The Marlin Ballard No. 5 Pacific rifle was made from circa 1876 to 1891. This Pacific rifle is in the desirable 45 Government (45-70) caliber. The overall length is approx. 45.5"". The 30"" heavy octagon barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel at the chamber is marked ""45 Govt"". It has a blade front sight and a buckhorn rear sight. The barrel finish is a smooth mixture of blue and brown. The receiver is marked MARLIN FIRE ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. over BALLARD'S. PATENT. NOV. 5. 1861. The receiver, especially the left and top, have traces of the case colors showing with the remainder turned silver. The ring shaped lever has generous amounts of its original case colors. The butt plate is a smooth brown patina. The buttstock is very good with no cracks or chips but with shooting use dents and dings. It also has a 1"" round silver medallion on the left side that has and engraved scene featuring a dog and palm tree. The forend is good with old almost unnoticeable age cracks on either side at the receiver and use dents and dings. A wood ramrod, with silver tip, is mounted under the barrel. The ramrod is a feature of the  Pacific rifle. The double set trigger action functions correctly. This interesting 45-70 rifle would fit a single shot collection, Marlin collection, or Ballard collection.