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LOT 47
Desirable Factory Panel Scene Engraved Marlin
Ballard No. 6 1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Mid-Range Single
Shot Rifle - Serial no. 21377, 25 cal., 28 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured from 1880
to 1882, these No. 6 1/2 Rigby rifles were one of the top of the line, most
refined target rifles offered by Marlin before the turn of the century. These
rifles were not only highly tuned, accurate target rifles, but also extensively embellished works of firearms art. This example is
no exception, with engraved panel scenes on the left and right of the receiver featuring a deer and a bear, surrounded by floral scroll
and decorative borders. The engraving extends to the distinctive “Rigby” barrel ribs on the top and sides of the barrel, which are a signature of this variation.
The top rib is engraved with a double ended arrow and “BALLARD” in a banner and there is a ring of fine floral engraving at the muzzle. The barrel is fitted with a globe
front sight and there is a mid-range Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a finely figured, checkered forearm with a horn Schnabel tip and
a checkered pistol grip stock with a prominent cheek piece and a brass Swiss buttplate. There are non-factory sling swivel studs installed on the bottom of the barrel and
bottom of the stock. the barrel has been relined to a smaller caliber (.25), with the muzzle of the liner being marked “PARKERIFLED/G.B.C”. The replacement period custom
double set trigger breechblock assembly is marked “P.E. Johnson Detroit”.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 80% of the original blue finish on the relined barrel (see above) and 40% of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey
patina and some scattered light handling marks. The wood is also fine with a hairline crack in the left of the wrist and a few scattered minor handling marks. The breechblock assembly is
refinished (see above). The set trigger will not stay set, otherwise mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 46
Rare Factory Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 7
A-1 Long Range Single Shot Rifle - Serial no.
1021, 44-100 cal., 34 inch part octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, checkered walnut stock.
Manufactured c. 1876-1883 by J.M. Marlin, No. 7
A-1 Long Range rifles are highly desired by single shot collectors
today, as some of the top tier rifles of their kind. The receiver has
highly attractive hand engraved factory scrollwork along with large
fancy Gothic script “Ballard A1” on the left side and “Long Range” on the
right side. The left side of the frame has the two-line J.M Marlin New Haven
address above the Ballard patent marking. Fitted with a windage adjustable
front sight with spirit level, tang mounted long range Vernier peep sight, and a Vernier peep sight
also mounted on top of the buttstock. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured
select walnut, with a checkered steel buttplate. The forearm has a horn cap. Matching serial number “1021” visible on the
bottom of the receiver, barrel and on the rear surface of the forearm. Relevant information on the No. 7 A-1 Long Range rifles
can be found in John Dutcher’s “Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle” on pages 247-251, with similar examples pictured,
including serial number 1017 close in range to this example offered. In the book, Dutcher states that he has recorded 18 No. 7 A-1 Long
Range rifles serial numbered 782 through 1828 at the time of writing, and all were chambered for the .44-100 Ballard Everlasting cartridge with 2
13/16 inch case length. Includes a modern metal box containing twenty .44-100 shell casings, and two .44 bullet molds.
CONDITION: Very good, retains strong traces of the original blue finish concentrated on both ends of the barrel and in the protected area beneath the forearm with smooth brown patina
on the balance, strong traces of original case colors showing in protected areas with smooth gray patina on the frame, scattered light freckling, some patches of light pitting concentrated
towards the muzzle end of the barrel, and sharp engraving. Replacement screws on the tang and buttstock mounted sights. Wood is also very good, with scattered light scratches and dents, a nick at
the front top of the comb, a reattached glued cracked section visible on top of the wrist, and mostly defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500