This rifle is pictured on pages 208, 209, and 225 of "Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle" in the chapter "The Developmental Pistol Grip Rigby Model" and is in the configuration of the No. 6 1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Rifle (1883-1891) but is chambered in the .38-50 cartridge of the earlier No. 6 1/2 Rigby Off-Hand Mid-Range Rifle (1880-1882) and may be a transitional example manufactured around 1882-1883. Dutcher also points out the Brown trigger, slightly different contour than the later rifles, small spur curved hammer, and that the serial numbers on the buttstock, frame, barrel, forearm, and breechblock match. He supposed that some of the earlier rifles were modified at the factory into the later configuration. On top of its already rare configuration, the engraving is exceptional and includes a scene of a male lion over a kill on the right, a pair of deer on the left, elaborate scrollwork with a very interesting spade style designs. The engraving is certainly much higher quality than most of the other Ballard rifles in the book. The barrel has a band of engraving at the muzzle, a "windgauge" globe front sight with spirit level, and coordinating engraving on the distinctive Rigby ribs at the breech, and the receiver has faceted flats at the breech, mid-range Vernier peep sight, checkered single trigger, loop lever, and "J.M. MARLIN. NEW-HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./BALLARD'S PATENT. NOV. 5. 1861." on the left side of the frame. The forearm and pistol grip stock have multi-point checkering, horn forend cap and grip insert, attractively swept cheek rest, fine figure, and a Swiss buttplate. "H.G. BIXBY" has been marked on both sides of the action, and "BIXBY" is repeated on the right side of the stock ahead of the checkering. The ornate silver shooting cup has a stand of four rifles along with two cartridge boxes surrounding an erect cannon barrel wrapped in a wreath, arabesque patterns, and "FOSTER RIFLES/AUG 31ST 1882/WON BY/ H.G. BIXBY." on one side of the cup and foliage and a small bird around a target on the opposite side. Harry G. Bixby was a talented late 19th century marksman from Nashua, New Hampshire, (which is just north of Boston where he is also commonly listed). As noted by Dutcher, the first issue of "The Rifle" in May 1885 noted that "Bixby used a Ballard rifle almost exclusively." "On April 6, 1882, he made, in the Creedmoor Match at Walnut Hill, 28 consecutive bull's eyes, which was then the best record. Also in the same match he scored 199 out of a possible 200. . . In May 1885, Mr. Bixby had won over forty medals and badges of great value, as well as quantities of rifles, field glasses and numerous other merchandise prizes, and had a record of twenty-eight clean scores at 200 yards offhand that had been shot on various well-known ranges." Dutcher notes, "He used a developmental pistol grip Rigby." Aside from the article noted by Dutcher, Bixby's and his marksmanship exploits appears in numerous newspaper and other periodical sources from the 1880s and 1890s from the East. He was a member of the Mass. Rifle Association. He won second place at the Walnut Hills shoot in the winter of 1882, missing first prize by just two points. He was also a businessman and investor and held prominent positions in multiple Nashua based businesses such as the Nashua Trust Co., Nashua Lock Company, and Nashua Card & Glazed Paper Co. as well as the American Axe & Tool Co. He was also a competitive tennis player. The Foster Rifles were Company I of the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment based in Nashua.

Fine with 95% professionally restored blue finish, strong case colors visible on the hammer, replated nickel on the replacement buttplate, dark gray patina on the balance, crisp engraving, and general minor wear. The wood is also very fine as professional restored with splices at the butt, crisp checkering, minor crack at the junction with the receiver on the right, minor edge wear including a tiny chip at the right rear corner of the forearm, and attractive figure and glossy varnish. Other than the weak safety notch, it is mechanically fine. The trophy is also very fine and has attractive aged patina/tarnish, general minor marks and scratches, and mild storage wear.