This rifle falls towards the end of the noted R. Ball & Co. serial number range (16000-18000) noted as manufactured c. 1865-1866 and correctly only has the Ballard patent and Merwin & Bray markings on the frame. The barrel has a globe front sight, folding rear sight (longer leaf broken), "No 44" and the matching serial number on top, and the manual ejector underneath. In addition to the noted markings, the action has a peep sight. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very good with mostly smooth brown patina on the barrel, darker patina on the breech section of the frame and mottled gray patina on the balance, repaired lower tang, some minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The wood is good and has some slivers absent at the edges, thin cracks, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.