Lot 26

Engraved Gold Inlaid Marlin Ballard Rifle with Carved Stock

Previous image preload Next image preload

Engraved Gold Inlaid Marlin Ballard Rifle with Carved Stock

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000

Starting Bid: $18,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive, Deluxe, Patriotic Panel Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid, Louis Jordan of Chicago, Illinois, Inscribed Marlin Ballard Falling Block Single Shot Schuetzen Rifle with Relief Carved Stock From the late 1800s into the early 1900s, one of the most popular spectator sports and pastimes in the United States was competitive target shooting, and this rifle is a highly attractive example of the sort of rifles that were used. For target shooters during the period, there was a wide range of high quality, American-made, single shot competition rifles available, with just about every major firearms manufacturer in the country attempting to corner a piece of the market. Initially designed during the Civil War with an eye on military contracts, the Ballard rifles were first produced by Ball & Williams. The rifles were then produced by the Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co. and subsequently the Brown Mfg. Co. until 1873 when the rifles went out of production for a short time. In late 1875 or early 1876, J. M. Marlin brought a new and improved version back to the American market. These rifles went on to become one of the most successful target rifles of the era, building a very solid reputation for incredible accuracy and being highly desired by competitive marksmen. This particular rifle with its period custom embellishment certainly has the look of having been a prized possession of Louis Jordan of Chicago, Illinois, who it is inscribed to. There are multiple men listed in Chicago newspapers during the period by the name Louis Jordan, but, unfortunately, none could be positively identified as the competitive shooter who may have owned or been presented this specific rifle. A possible explanation for this difficulty is the widespread popularity of target shooting among people from all walks of life and levels of skill, meaning that the owner of this exceptionally attractive rifle may have viewed his shooting as more of a hobby rather than an occupation. It is not uncommon to see these turn of the century target rifles showing personalizations for the shooter, though finding rifles with this level of embellishment is quite rare. Manufactured c. 1881 to 1891, this particular Ballard appears to have begun its life as one of the No. 6 Schuetzen variation and was subsequently beautifully embellished and configured by talented artisans. Both sides of the frame feature magnificent representations of the American eagle and Great Seal of the United States, with the left having gold inlaid stars on the shield and the eagle holding a banner in its beak inscribed "LOUIS. JORDAN" and " CHICAGO. ILL." The eagle on the right is clutching an olive branch in its beak with gold inlaid olives, and gold inlaid stars are on the shield. Much of the remaining space is filled with very attractively executed floral scrollwork, extending to the lever, which also features crosshatched patterns engraved in the grip areas. The receiver ring is relief chiseled with attractive flutes and engraved with crosshatched panels, while the front lower portion of the frame has been reshaped to correspond with the curve of the forearm. There are no other visible markings. It is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight with spirit level, no rear sight seat on the barrel, and a mid-range Vernier peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with a very attractively figured forearm and straight grip stock, both with checkered panels on the grip areas bordered with expertly relief carved floral motifs, checkered hardwood panels on the lever loop, and a nickeled Swiss Schuetzen buttplate with an acorn shaped screw threaded into the heel.

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co

Model: Ballard-Rifle

BBL: 30 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 32

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The John Dutcher Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine as masterfully and elaborately embellished with crisp engraving, 80% plus of the blue finish on the barrel, essentially all the gold inlay, 95% plus of the nickel plating on the buttplate, and the balance mostly a smooth grey patina with some scattered very light surface freckling. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, while the checkering and carving remain very crisp. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive and extraordinary Marlin Ballard Schuetzen rifle that exudes the character of competitive shooting during the turn of the century!

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