Marlin Made Ballard Pattern Model 1 ¾ Far West Hunter's Model Rifle
J.M. MARLIN / NEW HAVEN Conn. / U.S.S / BALLARD’S PATENT NOV. 6, 1861

Dropping-block action single-shot breechloading rifle with a falling block mechanism
actuated by ring shape lever; automatic extractor; clean 45-65-caliber bore rifled with six
concentric grooves twisting to the right; barrel length: 22.5-inches. (Flayderman
mentions a variant of the Model 1 ½ on page 151; no picture; likely the shorter barrel)
Heavy iron frame, the barrel with Rocky Mountain sight and standard rifle style
buttplate.

The Ballard rifle was a family of rifles produced from 1862 to 1891 by various well-
known manufacturers. Charles H. Ballard, the designer, patented the rifle on November
5th, 1861 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Not much is known about Ballard who designed
and patented one of the finest single shot actions made in the United States. Charles H.
Ballard, born in 1822 in the town of Sterling, Massachusetts. Ballard's was a machinist
who on November 5, 1861, obtained a patent for a firearm that would make the name
"Ballard" a household word to riflemen. The patent rights were owned by several well-
known and respected manufacturers… [advancing about 10-years to] when Schoverling
& Daly with prior consultation with New Haven, Connecticut-based gunmaker John
Marlon Marlin purchased the assets of Brown Manufacturing. Marlin believed that by
making a few improvements, he could work the action thusly creating a successful
sporting rifle. (Previously military)

Marlin-Ballard rifles were introduced in 1875, made until 1891, J.M. Marlin, later as the
Marlin Firearms Company, offered twenty different models of the rifle, all of which
having gained a reputation for accuracy and reliability. Marlin-Ballards’ were a popular
choice for competitive sharpshooters in the most prestigious shooting matches of the
era. The heavy-framed hunting models of the Marlin-Ballard were also used in the last
great buffalo hunts.

The action is fine and smooth; barrel displays a smooth brown patina; received is a dark
gun metal gray. The overall condition is good, typical dings; lever operates perfectly
however the spring that holds it tight to stock has lost some tension.

$3,500.00

1354-18