This rifle is numbered in the Brown Manufacturing Company range (under 22000), but only "BALLARD'S PATENT/NOV. 5. 1861." is marked on the left side of the frame. Roughly 500-700 Ballard sporting rifles were manufactured by Brown in 1869 to 1873. The rifle has a low profile blade front sight, notch rear sight, slim forend to compensate for the girth of the barrel, matching serial numbers on top at the breech, under barrel manual ejector, adjustable rear peep sight (same style found on Brown marked Ballards), attractive feather figured walnut stock and forearm, and casehardened nose cap and buttplate.

Fine with 75% of the lightly fading original blue finish, traces of original case colors, mottled gray and brown patina on the balance, light surface oxidation, and crisp markings. The wood is very good and has minor handling and storage marks, attractive figure, some slight flakes and chips at some of the edges, small cracks in the wrist, and crackled appearance on the varnish. Mechanically excellent. The unusual markings and overall configuration likely make this a unique Ballard rifle.