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Deluxe Factory Engraved Ball & Williams Ballard Rimfire/Percussion Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Deluxe Factory Engraved Ball & Williams Ballard Rimfire/Percussion Sporting Rifle
Approximately 2,200 of these sporting rifles were manufactured from 1865 to 1866. The barrel was blue and remaining parts casehardened. The action and lever are nice floral scroll engraved with an oval panel scene on the left side with a hunting dog and a lion on the right side. The left side of the action is marked "MERWIN & BRAY AGTS. / NEW YORK" in a panel, "BALLARD'S PATENT / NOV. 5 1861" on the right side and "16465 No44" on the top. The matching serial number is also marked on the top barrel flat at the breech. Silver blade front and fixed iron rear sights, external extractor mounted ahead of the action on the underside and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with an engraved steel tip and straight grip stock with an iron crescent buttplate with engraved tang.
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: rosewood
Gauge: 44 rimfire
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 16465
Condition: Very good. The barrel has a smooth mottled brown patina with a few minor dings. The buttplate has a brown and gray patina with some minor pitting. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina with some spotting on the lever. The engraved ovals are beginning to fade, otherwise the engraving and markings are clear. The otherwise very good buttstock and forearm both have had a coat of varnish applied over numerous dents and dings with much wear present underneath the forearm caused by retraction of the extractor lever. Mechanically excellent.