James H. Bullard's rifles were manufactured in an attempt to enter the sporting rifle market dominated by the likes of Marlin and Winchester. Despite being high quality firearms, Bullard's weapons were not able to shift enough customers away from the dominant players and production of the rifles ended in 1890 after just four years. Bullard expert and author G. Scott Jamieson places total production of the small frame rifle at about 500 units which fall in the 1500-2000 serial number range. Adding to the rarity of this rifle is the fact that it is a highly desirable deluxe version with highly figured pistol grip stock fitted with a checkered hard rubber factory buttplate. The rifle has the two-line address/patent information marked on the left side of the receiver, the serial number marked behind the hammer and "Cal/38" marked on the top front of the receiver. The lever has a unique scroll accent. It has a gold washed Beach combination folding front sight, elevation adjustable rear sight and casehardened forend cap, frame, hammer and lever.

Excellent. The rifle retains 97% original blue finish showing some thinning to a brown. 90% plus of the original case colors remain on the forend cap, hammer, receiver and lever. The wood is fine with a minor chip missing near the toe, some minor pressure dents and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A high conditioned example of a rare deluxe version of the Bullard small frame rifle that would be a great addition to an American antique lever action collection.