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SCARCE BALLARD UNION HILL NO. 9 SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
SCARCE BALLARD UNION HILL NO. 9 SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.
SN 21647. Cal. 32-40. Made by Marlin, only from 1884 to 1891 in somewhat limited numbers but still was one of the most popular Ballard rifles. This rifle has a 32" oct to rnd bbl, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight, Marlin semi-buckhorn rear sight and Marlin improved tang sight with 2-3/4" staff. It has full loop lever and dbl set triggers. Mounted with very highly figured, streaky, uncheckered American walnut with schnable tip forearm and serpentine pistol grip stock with cheek piece & nickeled brass Swiss buttplate. Bbl, forearm, buttstock & buttplate are all matching numbered to the rifle. Given that these rifles were primarily used for target shooting and that target shooters of that era were prone to making modifications to suit themselves, it is rare to find one of these rifles in completely orig configuration. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 50-60% orig blue with the balance medium patina. Receiver retains mottled, faded case colors. Lever shows faded case colors on the sides, turned silver elsewhere. Buttplate retains most of its orig nickel finish worn to brass on the knobs. Wood is sound without the obligatory cracks in the wrist and retains about all of a crisp, original-style restored finish. Mechanics are crisp. Strong, bright bore a little frosty in the grooves. 4-49222 JR274