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Desirable Browning Brothers Engraved J. M. Marlin Long Range Ballard A-1 Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Desirable Browning Brothers Engraved J. M. Marlin Long Range Ballard A-1 Single Shot Rifle
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Desirable Browning Brothers Engraved J. M. Marlin Long Range Ballard A-1 Single Shot Rifle

Manufactured circa late 1870s, early 1880s, this rifle has a No. 7 A-1 Long Range receiver engraved "Ballard A 1" on the left and "Long Range" on the right side. Both sides have the standard vine style engraving around the marking. The No. 5 style barrel is marked "BROWNING BROS. OGDEN, U.T" ahead of the rear sight and "45 Govt" at the breech. The Browning Brothers specialized in sporting goods and related items with stores in Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. The front sight dovetail is open, two folding leaf rear sight and there is a short range vernier tang mounted sight, (absent of eye disk), with graduations 0 to 90 on the left side. No. 5 breechblock and lever with double set triggers and mounted with a No. 5 smooth walnut forearm and No. 6 multi-point checkered walnut straight grip stock with a nickel plated brass Swiss buttplate. Comes with a wooden cleaning rod.

Manufucture: Marlin Firearms Co
Model: 4-1/2 Ballard
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Guage: 45 Government
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1214

Fine as Browning Brothers period rebarreled (number 27354 under forearm). The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some minor surface pitting. The receiver, hammer and lever retain traces of original case colors in the protected areas with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. The replacement wood is also fine with a area of minor dents and scratches on the right side of the buttstock and some minor dings and handling marks overall. The front sight and tang eye cup piece are missing. The checkering is crisp overall. The receiver engraving is crisp and clear. Mechanically fine.