Manufactured by the Marlin Firearms Company circa 1883 to 1891. This rifle was the successor to both the No. 6 1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Mid Range rifle and No. 6 1/2 Off-Hand Mid Range rifle in 40/65 Everlasting caliber only. The rifle has the Rigby type round barrel; the relief raised Rigby flats at the extreme breech end of barrel where it joins the frame. These flats are lightly scroll engraved and marked "BALLARD" inside a banner. An arrow runs through the banner. The receiver is engraved with a floral scroll pattern which incorporates round game scene engraved round panels both of a running deer (stag on the left, doe on the right). The muzzle has a band of feather design engraving. The upper left front of the receiver is marked with the two line Marlin address/Ballard patent date. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, bottom of the barrel and the rear edge of the forearm. Windage adjustable spirit level front globe sight, there are no provisions for a rear sight, and there is a short-range tang mounted Vernier peep sight. Blue barrel, nickel plated buttplate and casehardened remaining parts, and mounted with the correct multi-point checkered deluxe walnut forearm with a horn forend and a low comb pistol grip stock with a horn insert in the grip, cheek piece and a Farrow Pattern Light Swiss style buttplate.

Excellent. The barrel retains 97% original blue finish showing some mild thinning. The buttplate retains 80% original nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The remaining metal surfaces retain nearly 90% plus original case colors with slight fading on left side of receiver. The reoiled wood is very fine showing some minor pressure dents and scratches with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is an excellent and very rare late 4th Model Rigby made near the end of Marlin Ballard production (1890/1891).