Full octagon barrel with a dovetail front blade sight and a folding two leaf rear ladder sight. The straight grip action is not rebated and is marked "MERRIMACK ARMS & MFG. CO/NEWBURYPORT, MASS./BALLARDS PATENT/NOV 5 1861," on the left side. Serial number on the top flat and on the barrel and "No38" is marked ahead of the serial number. The breech block is made for Rim Fire and has a percussion nipple (can fire a self contained metallic cartridge, loose power/ball ammunition or metallic cartridge ignited by percussion cap). The left side of the hammer is marked "PATENTED JAN. 5, 1864". Has the 6 o'clock extractor with operating lever in forearm. The stock and forearm are smooth American walnut with casehardened steel crescent buttplate and forearm tip. Sling swivels have been mounted on the under side of the barrel and on the stock. The barrel is blue and the remaining metal is casehardened.

Very fine. The barrel retains 70% original slightly faded blue with the balance a pleasing plum color. The frame retains 60% of the faded case colors with the remaining area having a smooth gray patina. The lever and buttplate have a mottled gray patina with a small amount of minor pitting on the toe. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches. The action and extractor are tight. These Merrimack Arms Ballard Single Shot rifles are seldom found in this condition.