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Antique MERRIMACK ARMS Dual Ignition BALLARD “No. 50” MILITARY TRIALS Rifle RARE One of a Handful of Post-CIVIL WAR Trials Rifles in .50
Guns International #: 102072916 Seller's Inventory #: 220201
Category: Antique Rifles - Percussion - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1078
Total Number of Listings: 42561
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Antique MERRIMACK ARMS Dual Ignition BALLARD “No. 50” MILITARY TRIALS Rifle
RARE One of a Handful of Post-CIVIL WAR Trials Rifles in .50
Here we present an antique Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co. Number 50 Ballard’s Patent Dual Ignition Military Rifle made circa 1867-69 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. In spring of 1866 Edward Bray of Brooklyn, New York, former partner of Joseph Merwin, purchased Ballard machinery from R. Ball & Co. and set up a new plant in Newburyport, Massachusetts, primarily for production of military and sporting rifles. The glut of surplus arms on the market following American Civil War, however, forced him into bankruptcy in early 1869, after producing only about 2,000 of these Ballard rifles—the vast majority of them “sporting” rifles for the post-war commercial market. The caliber was usually marked on the top of the barrel or frame.
This one, a military rifle, is “No 50” with serial number 20225. The .50 caliber version of the military rifle is far scarcer than the .46 caliber version. These were sent to the US government for trials. Serial numbers continue in sequence of Ball & Williams/R. Ball & Co. production. Serial number sequence ran from about 18,000 through 20,300, making this example one of the last of these military rifles made.
This example features “No 50” between the rear sight and the serial number on the barrel at the breech and matching serial numbers. It has a manual ejector under the barrel and manufacturer/address marking on the left side of the frame. It has a dual ignition hammer and breech lock (percussion or rimfire).
The left side of the frame is marked with both manufacturing and patent marks, "MERRIMACK ARMS & MFG. CO./NEWBURYPORT, MASS." over "BALLARD'S PATENT/ NOV. 5, 1861".
The overall condition is fine. Original finish. Numbers match. The action is excellent. The bore is shiny bright with sharp rifling. The walnut stock is smooth and solid. There is an immobile split along the grain on the left side of the butt stock where it meets the frame. In our opinion, this is not from an impact or misuse (there are no signs of being dropped, etc.) but rather related to the seasoning of the wood or climate. This is a high-condition rifle that is also an absolute rarity!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 30 inches.
Caliber: .50 Rimfire or Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$5125
#220201
SOLD
Antique: Yes