September 15, 16, & 17, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Lot #1389:
(A) MARLIN BALLARD 7 1/2 A1 LONG RANGE .45-100 SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.
This serial number of this famed rifle dates it to approximately 1876. It is interesting to note that serial number 801 is attributed to Bill Cody. All of the details on this rifle are discussed in John Dutcher's book entitled "BALLARD, THE GREAT AMERICAN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE". This rifle was made by J.M. Marlin and is stamped as such on left side of frame. The "BALLARD A-1 & LONG RANGE" engraving surrounded by scroll was the work of L.D. Nimschke. This model features the octagon to round barrel. The front Wind Gauge sight. The Marlin Improved Long Range peep sight. There is no cut in barrel for a rear sight. The barrel is finely blued while the action and lever are case color. The under side of barrel shows the XXXX stamp with 804 serial number. Top of barrel at breech is stamped .45-100 (2 9/16" Everlasting) The walnut stock exhibits the checkered swept back pistol grip and the checkered steel butt plate. The checkered forearm sports the carved horn tip. In addition, the top of butt exhibits the heel mounted tang sight metal cover. Loop lever. CONDITION: Excellent. The lever and hammer still retain some color while frame has silvered out. Barrel retains at least 95% blue blending with some high edge toning. The stock is excellent with sharp checkering and minimal impressions. Mechanically fine with with a clean and bright bore. Arguably, the finest American single shot target rifle ever built.