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 running deer, 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. Not only is this rifle highly embellished, but it is marked on top "RIFLED BY H.M. POPE", who was arguably the finest target rifle barrel maker of the period. The bottom of the barrel is marked "19152", "672", and "25/141". The barrel is fitted with a windgauge globe front sight, no provision for a rear sight, and a Pope windgauge elevation 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 nickeled Swiss buttplate. Includes a container with a bullet mold and other reloading tools, brass, and consignor notes.

Fine as upgraded by Pope, retains 70% of the blue finish and some faint case color patterns in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and the engraving crisp overall. The wood is very good with the forearm re-varnished, a few hairline cracks near the buttplate, some scattered minor handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.