April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
24” barrel with a .44 bore. Referred to as the Merrimack-Ballard, these were manufactured from 1867 to 1868 only. Chambered for the .44 rimfire cartridge. Several examples of this rifle can be seen in the Ballard book on pages 54-55. Features a full octagon barrel, dovetail front sight, wind-drift rear sight, walnut stocks, rifle butt, and metal nose cap. Left side of frame has the Merrimack stamp. Ejector is activated by use of elongated extractor handle protruding from forearm. Strong rifling with usual abrasions. There is a slot cut at top of rear frame for long range sight. Walnut stocks are excellent with two closed hairlines at wrist. Wood is slightly shy to metal. Frame is a freckled grey patina. Barrel is a blue-brown patina and has had some added finish. Scarce early gun.