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LOT 1068
Rare Special Ordered Factory Game Panel Scene Engraved
J.M. Marlin Deluxe Ballard No. 5 Pacific Single Shot
Rifle - Serial no. 6614, 40-70 cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. The desirable No. 5 “Pacific”
model Ballard rifle was manufactured around 1876
to 1891, with this example being made prior to
1881 with the two-line J.M. Marlin address and
patent marking on the left side of the frame. The “Pacific” rifles were
highly prized as hunting rifles in the American west for their power and
accuracy. Due to this, the No. 5 Ballards are most often seen in their standard,
utilitarian configuration and rarely with any form of embellishment or special
features. In “Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle” by Dutcher, he
states that “With the exception of upgraded sights, the Pacific model is rarely
encountered with other than standard equipment.” He goes on to state that a few were fitted with
selected walnut checkered stocks, occasionally are seen with one of a few types of shotgun buttplate, and
that engraved Pacifics are extremely rare. Incredibly, this specific rifle checks all those boxes. Dutcher notes one
other Pacific he is aware of as being engraved by the legendary master L.D. Nimschke, which also appears to be the case
with this rifle. The other engraved example however, is not game scene engraved like this one, and this is the only example that we are aware of that
bears panel scene engraving like this. The frame of this rifle shows extensive, beautifully executed floral scroll and border engraving surrounding game
scenes on both sides. The scene on the right features a dog fighting a bear, while the left shows hounds pursuing a stag, with a very similar scene shown on
p. 22 of “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson. The engraving is unsigned, but is almost certainly the work of Nimschke’s hand. The left side of the action
is marked with the standard two-line J.M. Marlin address and Ballard’s patent marking. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame and the bottom of the barrel.
It is fitted with a globe front sight with a fixed beaded post, an elevation adjustable Marlin “Rocky Mountain” notch rear sight, and a Marlin “Improved Graduated Peep Sight” mounted on the upper tang. The
front sight dovetail was filled during the period of use, with the dovetail recut in the same location. There are two ramrod pipes fitted under the barrel, with a third dovetail filled between them,
which appears to have been done at the factory. It is mounted with a nicely figured, multi-point checkered Schnabel tip forearm with a horn nose cap and a checkered straight
grip stock with Ballard marked, checkered, hard rubber shotgun buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good, retains traces of the original blue finish, some blue touch up on the front ramrod pipe, and faint case color patterns with the balance either a plum brown or grey patina, some scattered small patches of
light surface pitting/oxidation, and crisp engraving. The wood is also very good with a couple minor wrist cracks, moderate wear on the forearm checkering, and scattered minor handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent.
A solid example of a very scarce special ordered, factory panel scene engraved Ballard No. 5 Pacific rifle!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1069
Scarce Factory Panel Scene Engraved Marlin Firearms
Co. No. 6 1/2 4th Model Rigby Ballard Off-Hand Rifle -
Serial no. 23378, 38 cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, highly figured checkered walnut pistol grip, cheekpiece
stock. Manufactured c. 1881-1882. The engraving pattern on the right side
of the rifle is similar to one shown on the left side of the No. 6 1/2 4th Model
Rigby Ballard rifle on the cover of “Ballard: the Great
American Single Shot Rifle” by Dutcher and depicts a running stag in
a wooded scene along with the standard scroll engraving with heart borders,
and the left side has a similar scene with a more casually walking stag as well
as the two-line Marlin Firearms Co. address and Ballard patent marking. The barrel
has a Lyman folding combination bead, blade, and globe front sight and a band
of engraving at the muzzle, the Rigby raised ribs at the breech with primarily scroll
engraving, “BALLARD” on a banner on the upper rib, and the matching serial number
on the bottom. The forearm is also numbered to the gun and has a horn tip and multi-
point checkering. A mid-range Vernier peep sight is mounted on the top of the action. It has the correct larger
loop lever and a knurled single trigger. The buttstock has a checkered pistol grip with a small horn insert, small cheek
piece, and a nickel plated Farrow pattern light Swiss buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine with essentially all of the high quality refinished blue on the barrel remaining, some roughness visible under the finish, traces
of original case colors on the frame, stronger case colors on the hammer, smooth gray and light brown patina on the balance, strong original
niter blue on the base of the peep sight, and 95% original nickel plating on the buttplate. The refinished wood is also very good and has crisp
checkering, minor handling and storage marks, some insect damage on the horn tip, and minor overall wear. Mechanically excellent. Definitely a
very attractive Ballard target rifle.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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