Manufactured from 1880 to 1882, these No. 6 1/2 Rigby rifles were one of the top of the line, most refined target rifles offered by Marlin before the turn of the century. These rifles were not only highly tuned, accurate target rifles, but also extensively embellished works of firearms art. This example is no exception, with engraved panel scenes on the left and right of the receiver featuring a deer and a bear, surrounded by floral scroll and decorative borders. The engraving extends to the distinctive "Rigby" barrel ribs on the top and sides of the barrel, which are a signature of this variation. The top rib is engraved with a double ended arrow and "BALLARD" in a banner and there is a ring of fine floral engraving at the muzzle. The barrel is fitted with a globe front sight and there is a mid-range Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a finely figured, checkered forearm with a horn Schnabel tip and a checkered pistol grip stock with a prominent cheek piece and a brass Swiss buttplate. There are non-factory sling swivel studs installed on the bottom of the barrel and bottom of the stock. the barrel has been relined to a smaller caliber (.25), with the muzzle of the liner being marked "PARKERIFLED/G.B.C". The replacement period custom double set trigger breechblock assembly is marked "P.E. Johnson Detroit".

Fine, retains 80% of the original blue finish on the relined barrel (see above) and 40% of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina and some scattered light handling marks. The wood is also fine with a hairline crack in the left of the wrist and a few scattered minor handling marks. The breechblock assembly is refinished (see above). The set trigger will not stay set, otherwise mechanically excellent.