This attractive custom built rifle uses a J.M. Marlin forged, straight grip, double set trigger, action that has the two-line pre-1881"J.M. MARLIN NEW-HAVEN CONN. U.S.A./BALLARD'S PATENT NOV. 5. 1861." marking on the left side at the breech. The silver plated action also displays intricate engraving designs with a squirrel on a log on the left in a wooded scene and two running rabbits in a pastoral scene on the right along with scrollwork, scalloped borders and checkering. The bottom of the frame is signed "ENGRAVED BY A. GRIEBEL" in an arch. Consignor notes indicate that it has a Speedlock action that shortens the hammer fall by 30% and a sleeved Ron Long barrel. The barrel has fancy turned and beaded ring at the transition from octagon to round and is numbered to match the rifle on the bottom under the forearm and is fitted with an adjustable spirit level wind gauge globe front sight. It is also fitted with a mid-range Vernier peep sight and a Winchester A5 scope. It has a multi-point checkered, fancy grade English walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with high comb, cheek rest, Ballard-Farrow pattern Swiss buttplate and ebony inlays on the grip and Schnabel forend tip. The Ballard No. 6 ball and spur lever has matching walnut inserts.

Very fine as custom finished, engraved and modified. The barrel retains 98% plus of the blue finish with some patches of pitting under the forearm. The silver finish on the frame, lever and buttplate remains 99% intact with mostly a lustrous polished finish. 99% of the vivid case colors remain on the breechblock, hammer and trigger assembly. The engraving is crisp and the markings legible through the plating. The wood is also in very fine condition with sharp checkering and smooth surfaces with only handling/storage type marks. The action is excellent and very tight. The scope has some minor finish wear but is in very good shape with slightly cloudy optics. Overall, this is a very fine and attractive rifle with excellent engraving done by Arnold Griebel who was one of the most famous and prolific engravers of the 20th Century and a barrel by the noted gunsmith Ron Long. Both of their work is most desirable and is highly sought after by collectors. Correspondence between the engraver (A. Griebel) and the consignor is available if requested.