December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
The No. 4 , which comes in the medium calibers, does not show as having a loop lever. Gun more closely resembles a No. 3 Gallery ( .22 rimfire) but, like any early single shot, a customer could get what he wanted. This rifle has the rebated receiver with Marlin legend on left side. It features double set triggers (working), a plain pistol grip walnut Schuetzen style stock with roll over cheek piece and brass Swiss butt plate. The stock has a metal color or buffer installed at wrist, most likely due to the fact that these Ballards tend to get hairlines at wrist as does this example on both sides. The forearm has three holes meant to mount a palm rest. The mounted octagon to round barrel features holes in face for a false muzzle loading guide. The top of barrel is stamped M. S. HENDRICK . Merton S. Hendrick was a renowned maker of target rifles in Aurora, Illinois, from 1868 until well after 1900. He was born in New York, in 1842, and died in Aurora, Illinois, in 1930. The caliber is not stamped on the barrel but bore is .38. The barrel has two added scope bases as well as a tang sight. BARREL B: This is the original barrel and forearm. Barrel has matching serial numbers, 30", octagon to round with a front sight slot cut , no caliber stamp and has an old Stevens type scope ring still attached. The Ballard forearm has extra holes for palm rest. The bore measures 32. BARREL C: Lastly, there is a 28.5" octagon to round barrel, not stamped anywhere, in .22rf. This barrel sports a period Stevens type 3/4 tube scope with adjustable rear mount. CONDITION: Very good. The complete rifle has the case color receiver which has basically silvered out but there are flashes of color. The wrist extension ring appears to be silver. The walnut stock shows the typical hairlines at wrist as well as some light impressions and scratches. Forearm is in like condition. This barrel has what appears to be a sight or mount cut on right side and is a smooth blue with patina mix and shows average handling marks. This bore is bright. BARREL B: The original numbered barrel retains 85% blue that is also blending patina and its bore is strong and defined. BARREL C: The third barrel (22 CAL) with scope is an overall smooth patina with a defined bore .
Barrel Length
(A) 30" (B) 30" (C) 28 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(A) .38 (B) .32 (C) .22 LR
Manufacturer
Marlin-Ballard