Lot 1045

Factory Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen Rifle

Previous image preload Next image preload

Factory Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen Rifle

Estimate: $2,750 - $4,250

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Attractive Factory Panel Scene Engraved Marlin Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen Single Shot Rifle with Heavyweight Remington Part Octagon Barrel Manufactured c. 1881 to 1891, this is an attractive factory engraved example of Marlin's revered Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen rifle, one of multiple variations of the Ballard which made a significant claim to dominance over the competitive shooting circuits of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During the period of this rifle's use, it was fitted with a heavyweight part octagon barrel produced by Remington Arms, who operated under that name between 1888 and 1912. The rebarelling of competition rifles such as this was not uncommon during the period as marksmen tried to gain any competitive edge they possibly could. The frame of this rifle exhibits beautiful Marlin factory engraving featuring a circular panel scene on either side, a buck on the left and a bear on the right, both surrounded by floral scrollwork and decorative borders. The left of the frame has the standard two-line Marlin address and Ballard's patent marking, while the serial number is on the bottom. The serial number is repeated on the bottom of the barrel near the breech, the rear face of the forearm, and on the inside of the buttplate. The bottom of the barrel is also marked "26780" as well as "38.50", which appears to be for the .38-50 Ballard cartridge rather than the .38-50 Remington-Hepburn. The top of the barrel has the Remington Arms address. It is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight, no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, a Vernier peep sight on the upper tang, and Schuetzen double-set triggers. It is mounted with a nicely figured, horn tipped forearm and pistol grip stock, both with factory checkering on the grip areas, a cheekpiece on the left, and a nickeled Schuetzen buttplate.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: Ballard-Rifle

BBL: 32 1/4 inch heavy part octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-50

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number11857

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good, retains 85% plus of the original Remington blue on the period fitted barrel, traces of the original case colors in sheltered areas, mostly on the hammer and lever, and 90% of the original nickel plating on the buttplate with some light wear and scattered light handling marks. The wood is fine with a short hairline crack in the left rear of the forearm, some scattered minor dings, and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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