Marked "BALLARD'S" on top of barrel and "C. H. BALLARD & Co. / WORCESTER, MASS. / PATD. JUNE 22, 1869" on the left side of the barrel. The Ballard pistol action was one of the simplest made, with a tip up barrel fastened by a spring-loaded catch which fastened into the standing breech below the cartridge in the barrel. The action was not particularly strong and only a few thousand were made, divided between the iron frame and brass frame types. This one has the brass frame. There appears to be some roughness under the finish, especially on the front left side of the frame, so it is possibly refinished.

Excellent with 98% bright blue on barrel, 95% silver on frame with some scratches and nicks of age cracks on both ivory grips. Mechanically fine.