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Rare Nimschke Engraved Documented Marlin Ballard No. 7A1 Long Range Single Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:12,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Rare Nimschke Engraved Documented Marlin Ballard No. 7A1 Long Range Single Shot Rifle
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Rare Nimschke Engraved Documented Marlin Ballard No. 7A1 Long Range Single Shot Rifle

The No. 7A-1 Long Range Rifle was a variant of the No. 7 Creedmoor A-1 rifle with a fancier, higher grade of wood and an improved grade of sights. The No. 7A-1 rifle was manufactured from 1879 to 1883 and was only manufactured by J.M. Marlin. This rifle is pictured and briefly described on pages 250 and 251 of "Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle" by John Dutcher. In the book Dutcher states that he has recorded 18 No. 7A-1 Long Range rifles serial numbered 782 through 1828, this rifle, which is the highest recorded serial number on a No. 7A-1 Long Range Rifle. All were chambered for the 44-100 Ballard Everlasting cartridge with 2 13/16 inch case length. This was the only listed caliber for this model, but Dutcher states that it is possible that other suitable calibers were made. From 1876 to 1878 there were 3 grades of Long Range rifles listed by Ballard which were known as the Creedmoor A-1.By 1878 it was advertised as the No. 7-A-1 Long Range rifle. From April 1879 until January 1882 there were only two grades of the renamed No. 7 Long Range rifle. This rifle is fitted with a 34 inch medium weight part octagon barrel with a windage gauge spirit level front sight with an aperture disk. The bottom barrel flat under the forearm is marked with the matching serial number. The receiver has the two-line Marlin address/Ballard patent date on the upper left side as well as the large "Ballard A 1" hand engraved on the left side and "Long Range" on the right side. Surrounding the markings is simple scroll engraving which is illustration 31-7 on page 251. Dutcher states "Ballard 7-A-1, of which the engraving is quite probably the work of L.D. Nimschke or someone under his direction. The book "L.D. Nimschke, Firearms Engraver" shows ink rubbings of some Ballard frames of this design. While similar, each rifle displays subtle differences, making each one unique. Serial number 1828. The top of the receiver is equipped with Marlin's improved long range Vernier peep sight graduated to 1,300 yards. Checkered hammer and trigger. The barrel and buttplate are blue, the remaining parts casehardened and mounted with a nicely figured multi-point checkered walnut forearm with a horn forend and pistol grip stock with a horn grip cap insert, checkered steel buttplate and Vernier sight base mounted on top of the stock at the heel. To meet the shooting requirements of the day, these rifles weighed 10 pounds or less and had a 3 pound trigger pull. Also accompanying the rifle is a copy of a Cabela's gun library search.

Manufacture: Marlin Firearms Co
Model: Ballard-Rifle
BBL: 34 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44-100
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1828

Fine. The barrel has 40% blue with the balance a smooth brown patina. The receiver has a smooth dark patina with 30% original case colors in protected areas. The lever has a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is also fine with scattered minor dings, dents and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. A very nice example of a rare Nimschke engraved Marlin Ballard No. 7A-1 Single Shot rifle.