The factory scroll and game scene engraving pattern on the sides of the receiver are similar to those shown on No. 6 1/2 Rigby Ballard rifles on pages 199 and 201 of John Dutcher's "Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle." The game scene panel on the left side depicts two deer that, as Dutcher noted, "is one of the most often encountered designs." The game scene panel on the right side depicts a running buffalo. The left side of the receiver also has the two-line Marlin address and Ballard's patent marking. The raised ribs at the barrel breech are engraved. The barrel also has a band of engraving at the muzzle. The rifle is fitted with a windgauge front sight and a Vernier mid-rang tang mounted peep sight. There are no provision for rear barrel sight. The nicely figured forearm and straight grip stock feature multi-point checkering. The bottom rear of the forearm has period added checkering, likely used by a shooter to rest his/her thumb and fore finger. The buttock has a cheek piece and a nickel plated brass Swiss buttplate. The forearm and barrel are numbered to the gun. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very good plus. The barrel has a smooth brown patina mixed with traces of original blue finish, heavier amounts of blue remain under the forearm. 20% original case colors remain on the action, otherwise faded to a gray. The engraving is crisp. 90% original nickel plating remains on the buttplate. The wood is fine with minor handling marks, scratches and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.