Guns International #: 101775632

Category - Ballard Rifles - Antique Rifles - Single Shot

Category
Ballard Rifles
Antique Rifles - Single Shot

EARLY J. M. MARLIN BALLARD SINGLE SHOT RIFLE IN DESIRABLE AND SCARCE .44-40 CALIBER WITH 30" OCTAGON BARREL

Description:
EARLY J. M. MARLIN BALLARD SINGLE SHOT RIFLE IN DESIRABLE AND SCARCE .44-40 CALIBER WITH 30" MEDIUM WEIGHT OCTAGON BARREL, #7XXX, C. LATE 1870s. From 1875-1881 and from serial number approx. 500 - 17000 Ballards were marked "J. M. Marlin." After that and until Ballards ceased being produced in 1891, they were marked "Marlin Firearms Company." This example would probably date 1877-1878. Many of these early rifles were produced in rim fire calibers with center fire chamberings fewer and more desirable. This one would be considered a No. 2 model with the largest chambering being the .44-40. Most No.2 rifles encountered are in .32 RF or .38 RF and also have reversible firing pins allowing them to be fired with .32 Colt center fire rounds or .38 Colt center fire- both using outside lubricated bullets.  This rifle is correctly stamped "44 W" on the top of the barrel ahead of the receiver (.44 Winchester meaning .44-40). The barrel has a matching serial number to the receiver and the action is very tight with no play or "dropping" of the "S" type lever upon closing. The butt stock on Ballards is secured with a long through bolt under the butt plate going the full length of the stock into the receiver. When tightened at the factory, thin stress cracks soon formed coming back from the receiver as the wood changed through temperature and humidity fluctuations. Usually these cracks do not weaken the stocks. This one has one barely visible crack coming back for an inch or so and is hardly worth mentioning. The stock and forend are generally excellent with the forend showing some nice striped grain structure and retains the factory ebony or horn wedge inlay in the schnable tip. The receiver has aged to a mottled gray and the barrel shows fine aged blue with some normal thinning from age. It is fitted with a buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and a Rocky Mountain blade front sight. Amazingly, the bore is fairly bright and excellent. Barrels came in 26", 28" and 30" lengths. This is the longest barrel length offered for this model and in all makes for a most attractive  140+ year old rifle. Very difficult to find fine unaltered Ballards especially in a good Center Fire chambering in an early J. M. Marlin marked gun.

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Manufacturer: BALLARD/J. M. MARLIN
Model: No. 2 SINGLE SHOT
Serial Number: 7XXX
Barrel Length: 30
Condition: FINE
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT