This rifle was manufactured in 1862-1865 during the Civil War by Ball & Williams based on Charles H. Ballard's November 5, 1861, patent. John T. Dutcher in "Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle" stated that he had recorded only 16 of these brass frame rifles, including this rifles predecessor sn. 189, and estimated 200 were made. Norm Flayderman estimated only 50 were produced and indicated they were found in the 180 to 200, 310-320, and 1490 to 1500 serial number ranges and were all sporting rifles. Either way, they are among the rarest Ballard rifles. The octagonal barrel has a dovetailed nickel-silver blade front sight, screw affixed elevation adjustable sporting notch rear sight, "BALLARDS PATENT/NOV. 5. 1861." marked on the upper right flat at the breech, "MERWIN & BRAY AGT'S/NEW YORK" on the upper right, and "BALL & WILLIAMS/Worcester, Mass." on top followed by the serial number, and the matching serial number is also marked on top of the silver plated brass frame at the breech, the left side of the silver plated brass breechblock, and on the screw on the front of the breechblock. The matching partial serial number "90" is also marked on the walnut forearm. The manual ejector is fitted on the underside of the barrel, and the rifle also features a silver plated brass lever and buttplate and a smooth walnut buttstock.

Fine with 90% plus of the original blue finish remaining, 30% original silver plating remaining, aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, strong original nitre blue on the ejector guide, small areas of light oxidation, replacement front sight, and generally minor overall wear. The wood is very good aside from a crack in the butt and dent on the wrist and has some scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.