The No. 4 Perfection was a more utilitarian model than many of the other Marlin-Ballard rifles and was meant primarily for hunters and thus surviving examples often show signs of prolonged use. Examples in excellent condition are very hard to find. This rifle was manufactured in 1876-1881 (early two-line J.M. Marlin/Ballard markings) and has a standard German silver Rocky mountain blade front sight, sporting rear sight, caliber marking at the breech, matching serial numbers, and smooth stock and forearm. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Very fine. The barrel has 98% of the original blue finish, light edge wear, and a spot of minor pitting near the breech on the left. The receiver retains 85% plus of the original case colors and has some spotty brown patina forming. The buttplate has a mottled silver-gray patina. The wood is also very fine and has strong oil finish, some minor dents and scrapes primarily on the forearm, and two dark spots on the right side of the butt. Mechanically excellent.