Manufactured from 1876 to 1891, the Ballard No. 6 was initially seen as an oddity in the Schuetzen world due to its breech loading cartridge, however, any speculation was soon forgotten once these rifles started handily defeating their muzzle loading forebearers gaining the support of even William Hayes, the Schuetzen King of the United States. In Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle (p171), John T. Dutcher writes, "In its day, the No. 6 was the last word in target rifles." Many Ballard's were customized by shooters and gunsmiths by addition of various sights, false muzzles, and even the then controversial palm wrests and scopes. Many Ballard's survive in "mongrel" forms and still shoot excellently, but ones in original or near original form are rare. This rifle was made in the Swiss pattern first introduced in 1877 and features a blued heavy part round, part octagon barrel marked with only the caliber designation at the breech and the serial number beneath the forearm which has a faint "80808" impression on the inside. The barrel has the front sight removed and no provisions for a rear sight. The left side of the receiver is marked "MARLIN FIRE ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN C.T. U.S.A./BALLARD'S PATENT NOV 5, 1861". There is a mid range Vernier peep sight and double set triggers. Mounted with a multi-point checkered walnut forearm with horn Schnabel tip and straight grip stock with raised comb, cheek piece, and nickel plated brass Schuetzen buttplate. The color casehardened frame is fully engraved with scroll patterns, diamond borders, and a bear on the right side and a deer on the left.

Very fine as professionally restored. The rifle retains 98% of the finish and case colors with only minor high edge wear, faint scratches, and some light handling/storage marks. The nickel plated buttplate has some traces of the plating with an otherwise aged brass patina. The wood is fine with three faint repaired cracks on the upper wrist, a chip absent on the upper edge on the right side of the butt, some dings and small dents, and some residue on the front of the forearm. There is some change in texture and color on the bottom of the butt close to the lever. Mechanically excellent with clear markings.