One for marlinman93.....

[.45colt]

I saw this Beauty today and thought maybe Vall could give us a History Lesson . https://shop.joesalter.com/Custom-Balla ... ed-Antique

[marlinman93]

I saw this Beauty today and thought maybe Vall could give us a History Lesson . https://shop.joesalter.com/Custom-Balla ... ed-Antique

From what I can tell it's of course a restored Ballard. The closest I could say to determine which model is it's a #4 Perfection, but with special order set triggers. The chambering is an oddball for a Ballard, so might be a relined barrel, or a new barrel. Marlin would have chambered their proprietary cartridge the .40-63 Everlasting, also called the .40-70 Ballard Straight. The breech block face has been bushed as noted by the dovetail piece on the front. A common repair for a breech block that has a worn out or corroded firing pin hole. A bit heavy handed on the polishing and they removed much of the rollstamp on the left side. I usually polish all around the stamp and prefer to leave any pitting, or rash there than remove any of the rollstamp. Has some decent sights with the Soule Long Range rear and fixed globe front. And the replacement wood is very nicely done also. The 2 line address and serial number will indicate a forged action, and likely made around 1885 or so. Price isn't bad considering the work, and the condition.