Originally manufactured from 1878 to 1880, the core of this rifle is the very attractive and desirable Marlin-Ballard No. 4 1/2 A-1 Mid-Range Target rifle. The receiver features the very attractive factory engraving on both sides showing "Ballard A1" on the left and "Mid Range" on the right, both surrounded by beautiful floral scroll. This particular example was masterfully upgraded by Griffin & Howe, likely in the early 1900s. The heavy barrel is inscribed on top "GRIFFIN & HOWE, INC. NEW YORK." and is inscribed to a previous owner, "McCLURE HALLEY, NEW YORK.", an early 20th century New York socialite. Halley is mentioned regularly in New York newspapers in the early 20th century, with him and his wife being noted as very active in horse racing and the show dog scene. His wife specifically was noted as the owner of a world champion Pekingese around 1915. McClure himself is also noted as special ordering a very attractive Alfa Romeo sports car and being very active in the early racing/exotic automobile circles. It is said that Halley lived in a hotel in Italy for two months, not far from the Alfa Romeo plant, just to make sure the car was built to his exact specifications. Apart from the markings noted above, the receiver has the two-line J. Marlin address and patent dates on the left of the receiver and the serial number on the bottom. The caliber marking is engraved on the left of the barrel at the breech. The Griffin & Howe barrel is fitted with a globe front sight, with two sets of drilled and tapped holes for scope block, all of which have filler screws in place. The upper tang is fitted with a mid-range peep sight. The rifle has double set triggers and a serpentine lever with bulbous, wood-paneled grip area. It is mounted with a nicely figured, beautifully checkered, perch belly forearm with attaching point for a palm rest. The pistol grip stock is similarly figured and checkered, with a shadowline cheek piece and fitted with a nickeled Swiss/Schuetzen style buttplate.

Exceptionally fine as Griffin & Howe custom upgraded to present configuration, retains 95% plus of the period blue finish with minimal handling marks and crisp markings and engraving overall. The wood is very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and a few scattered minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive example of a unique Griffin & Howe custom Marlin-Ballard single shot rifle!