Lot 3030

Factory Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 6 1/2 Off-Hand Rigby Rifle

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Factory Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 6 1/2 Off-Hand Rigby Rifle

Estimate: $7,500 - $11,000

Starting Bid: $6,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Scarce Factory Panel Scene Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 6 1/2 Off-Hand Fourth Model Rigby Single Shot Rifle Manufactured c. 1881-1888, this is a fine example of the rare Marlin Ballard No. 6 1/2 Off-Hand rifle, also known as the Fourth Model Rigby rifle. The engraving pattern on the left side of the rifle is almost identical to the one shown on the cover of "Ballard: the Great American Single Shot Rifle" by Dutcher and depicts a running stag in a wooded scene along with the standard scroll engraving with heart borders, and the right side has a grizzly bear scene similar to the one pictured on p. 230 of the same book, while the two-line Marlin Firearms Co. address and Ballard patent marking is on the left. There are flourishes of scrollwork on each flat of the receiver ring. The barrel has a Lyman folding combination bead, blade, and globe front sight and a band of engraving at the muzzle, the Rigby raised ribs at the breech with primarily scroll engraving, "BALLARD" on a banner with a double-ended arrow on the upper rib, and the matching serial number on the bottom. The forearm has the matching serial number stamped on the rear face. It is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight with spirit level, no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, a Vernier type peep sight mounted on the upper tang, and a checkered trigger. It is mounted with a finely figured Schnabel tip forearm with horn tip and a pistol grip stock with a horn insert in the base of the grip, both with multi-point checkered grip areas, a cheekpiece on the left, and a nickel plated Swiss Schuetzen pattern buttplate.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: Ballard-Rifle

BBL: 30 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number18851

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 50% of the original case colors and traces of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of very light pitting, and crisp engraving. The wood is very fine with a few scattered light dings and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000