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Brown Mfg. Co.-Ballard's Patent Perc. Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:375.00 USD
Brown Mfg. Co.-Ballard's Patent Perc. Rifle
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Brown Mfg. Co.-Ballard's Patent External Extractor Breechloading Percussion Rifle, #20468, .44 cal., 26'' octagonal barrel having dovetailed front blade and leaf rear sights marked ''No. 44'' and serial number ahead of breech; steel receiver marked on left side ''Brown Mfg. Co. Newburyport, Mass./Ballard's Patent/Nov. 5, 1861'' in three lines, steel operating lever, hammer and trigger; two-piece varnished walnut halfstock with iron nosecap and crescent buttplate. This rifle, while equipped with a percussion nipple, employs the external cartridge extractor and appears to be compatible with the novel reversible firing pin (for both rimfire and centerfire cartridges) invented by John Marlin; thus it may be that it was assembled utilizing original Brown Mfg. Co. parts after that firm's acquisition by Marlin. Condition is very good showing no original finish and a dark aged patina to metal (barrel cleaned of spotty discoloration). A 1-5/8'' wide brass reinforcement was added at stock wrist, professionally done; stocks are sound showing minimal dings and perhaps a later coat of varnish. Action works as designed; bore is shiny, clean and with deep rifling. An intriguing rifle, reflecting the dramatic late 1860s-early 1870s era of change from percussion to metallic cartridge firearms ignition. Est.: $750-$1,250. (Antique)