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Rare Cased Engraved Iron Frame Ballard Single Shot Derringer with Ivory Grips

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Rare Cased Engraved Iron Frame Ballard Single Shot Derringer with Ivory Grips
Charles Ballard secured the patent for the Ballard derringer on June 22, 1869 and his derringers were as sturdy and attractive as his rifles. The barrel is 2 13/16" in length and is part octagon at the breech end. The top flat is marked "BALLARD'S" and the left flat is marked "C. H. BALLARD & Co. / WORCESTER, MASS. / PATD. JUNE 22, 1869". The matching serial number is marked on the frame under the barrel, on the underside of the barrel and on the right side of the frame under the grip. This particular Derringer has the iron frame and is floral scroll and punch dot engraved on the sides, much in the style of L.D. Nimschke. The muzzle end of the barrel has a wedge of the same design on each side with a fine burst design on the top directly ahead of the octagon portion. The top and side flats have a scallop border design and the upper side flats have a decorative simple line and dot design. The Ballard pistol action was one of the simplest made, with a tip up barrel fastened by a spring-loaded catch which fastened into the standing breech below the cartridge in the barrel. Only a few thousand were made, divided between the iron and brass frame types. Fitted with two piece smooth ivory grips. According to the consignors notes, only 4 to 6 engraved iron framed Derringers are known to exist and this is the only iron frame cased, making this an extremely rare variation. Complete in an original walnut case with purple fitted velvet lining and six original 41 caliber rounds.
BBL: 2-3/4 inch part octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 41 RF
Finish: gold
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 258
Condition: Very good. The Derringer, at least in part, was finished with gold plating and shows 90% gold remaining on the sides of the frame under the grips. The remaining exposed metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina. The grips are also very good with some hairline age cracks, an attractive grain on the left panel and a mellow aged patina on the right panel. The markings are readable. The engraving is crisp and clear and the mechanics are excellent. With the exception of a minor crack on the bottom, the case is very good with some minor scratches and dings, on the exterior, and some minor contact wear on the interior.