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Ballard model 6-1/2 .38-55 caliber single-shot “Off-hand” rifle with Rigby barrel, period or factory

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:NA Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Ballard model 6-1/2 .38-55 caliber single-shot “Off-hand” rifle with Rigby barrel, period or factory
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Ballard model 6-1/2 .38-55 caliber single-shot “Off-hand” rifle with Rigby barrel, period or factory mounted full-length Malcolm scope, finely Ulrich-style engraved, checkered select walnut stock with larger finger loop, nickeled Swiss butt, serial number “28159” with matching numbers on the barrel. The rifle remains in fine to near excellent original condition showing 90-95% original blue finish on barrel, some slight thinning and normal age just starting. The frame shows 50-70% case hardening drifting to silvery grey with some light case colors mixed in. The varnished wood stocks are very good plus with sharp checkering, some minor storage marks, scratches, light wear at the edges, and even loss to the varnish which now is about 50-60%. The buttplate shows 30-40% nickel, with the balance drifted an even patina. The nickel plated Malcolm scope is in near fine condition, showing 90-95% plus original nickel, bright blue on the iron mounts, with period mounts at front and rear. The scope is nicely engraved “W.M. Malcolm Syracuse NY” on the ring, shortly in front of the mount. The optics are clear and good. The action is tight, the bore near excellent. The engraving is of a high quality and shows a portrait of a doe on the left and a bear on the right. This Ballard is similar to the exampled pictured on the cover of the book Ballard, The Great American Single Shot Rifle by John T. Dutcher. Est.: $7,500-$15,000