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Exquisite Engraved Antique Marlin-Ballard No. 6-1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Mid-Range Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10.00 USD
Exquisite Engraved Antique Marlin-Ballard No. 6-1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Mid-Range Sporting Rifle
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Exquisite Engraved Antique Marlin-Ballard No. 6-1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Mid-Range Sporting Rifle, #18857, .38-55 CF cal., 30" round barrel marked on center rib "Ballard" within a ribbon entwined about a double-ended arrow, engraved at breech and muzzle, has three distinctive Rigby raised ribs at breech, globe front sight (with extra insert and spirit level); single-shot frame marked "Marlin Fire Arms Co., New Haven, CT U.S.A./Patented February 9, 1875/Ballard's Patent Nov. 5, 1861" has floral-scroll engraving and circular vignette of a dog attacking a bear at left side, standing elk vignette at right, faceted top, curved loop operating lever that drops breech open for loading/auto ejection, adjustable mid-range Vernier peep tang sight; varnished and checkered walnut forend has horn Schnabel-type tip, matching pistol-grip buttstock with beautiful grain, checkering at wrist, horn insert, high comb with carved cheekpiece and nickel-plated Schuetzen-style buttplate. Mfg'd ca. 1880-82. Condition is excellent, retaining approx. 98% blue and softly-mottled case colors (there is a 1.5"x2" triangular area of cleaned peppering at left-rear of frame). Stocks show sharp checkering, lovely grain, especially to buttstock, which shows a few dings at belly, and color, and retain all their original finish. Edges, markings and engraving are sharp and crisply rendered. Action is smooth, bore is bright with sharp rifling. Est.: $6,000-$9,000. (Antique)