Manufactured circa 1880 to 1882. The receiver is engraved with floral scroll and punch dot designs with a round panel on the left with an elk in a wooded scene and a bear in a round panel on the right side. The receiver also features bordering of heart shaped designs. The relief raised ribs at the breech end of the barrel are engraved with light scroll on the sides and the top has an arrow running through a banner which reads "BALLARD". The muzzle has a band of feather design engraving. The upper left front of the receiver is marked "MARLIN ARMS CO> NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A./PATENTED FEBRUARY. 9. 1875./BALLARD'S PATENT NOV. 5. 1861.". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, bottom of the barrel under the forearm and on the rear edge of the forearm. The barrel is fitted with a windage adjustable front globe, there are no provisions for a rear sight, there is a mid-range tang mounted Vernier peep sight. Blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts, checkered trigger and mounted with the correct multi-point checkered walnut forearm with a horn forend and a pistol grip stock with horn grip insert, cheek piece and pronged nickel plated Swiss buttplate

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% blue finish with some minor thinning. The hammer and breech block retain most of the original case colors. The receiver retains 60% original case colors with a smooth brownish gray patina on the balance. The lever has a smooth gray patina with strong original case colors in protected areas. The buttplate has been poorly refinished and shows some minor pitting under the finish and has a dull, frosted appearance. The wood is also excellent with some scattered minor dents, dings and handling marks with crisp checkering. The markings and engravings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.