z Sold Marlin Ballard .45-70 Pacific

Marlin-Ballard No.5 (AKA “Pacific Ballard”) Octagon barreled falling block auctioned single-shot rifle, 45-70 Govt. with Fine bore (about an “9+” on a scale of 10) and a tight smooth action. Standard double-set triggers, crescent buttplate, with wooden wiping rod under the barrel. Manufactured between 1876 and 1891, this long range rifle is serial numbered 9998. The exterior has a mottled grey patina.  These “Pacific Ballards” were quite popular in their day and no doubt took their fair share of buffalo in the Great Plains hunts in the late 1870s …and then as good target rifles up to the 1890s.  Barrel is marked .45-70 Govt. Here is a rare find. Marked  on the left side of the action "J.M. Marlin New-Haven Conn. USA Ballard's Patented Nov. 5, 1861. It has a heavy, 30 inch, octagon barrel. The bore is very good plus, bright and shiny. The rifle weighs just under 10 pounds. As shown the sights are replacements.  The wood is strong and stable no serious cracking, see close up pictures. Numbers are matching. The action works fine including the double set triggers. The metal is smooth with a pleasant blue/patina finish on the barrel and faint traces of faded case colors on the frame. This is an excellent example of a fine AMERICAN single shot rifle probably made in the mid to late 1880's.