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Fine Custom Marlin Ballard Pope Muzzleloading Schuetzen Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Fine Custom Marlin Ballard Pope Muzzleloading Schuetzen Rifle
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
serial #18373, 33-47, 30" round Hartford Pope barrel No. 370 shows a bright excellent bore. This is a fine period custom Pope Ballard purportedly stocked by Kirkwood Brothers of Boston for Charles Herrick a famous New England shooter and cartridge designer. The rifle features factory adjustable double set triggers, ball and spur lever, Pope palm rest and lovely custom rosewood stocks. The stock shape is distinctive with downswept comb opposite a dramatic perch belly toeline. The forend shows only the slightest flare at the tip with a beautifully executed horn tip. The checkering borders the palm rest base and it is clear that this palm rest has been on the rifle since it was stocked. There is a 1'' crack on the right side of the stock where it meets the frame. The barrel shows three Pope crescent scope cuts along with two sets of drilled and tapped holes for blocks, they presently hold filler screws. There is one hole in the bottom of the barrel about 8" back from muzzle, clearly for a rest. The barrel retains about 50% evenly thinning original blue finish blending with a brown patina and showing some scattered areas of surface oxidation. The frame shows about 70% original color case hardened finish which has faded somewhat but has a lovely antique appearance showing subtle contrast throughout. The stocks are very nicely crafted and fit beautifully. They retain about 80% of their original oil finish and the checkering remains strong. The rifle is sighted with a more modern globe front, there is no rear seat and a Soule Vernier tang mounted peepsight is present. The rifle comes with its original false muzzle numbered to the barrel along with a nice loading rod which was made by a previous owner, there is no starter with the rifle. This rifle is featured in the Hartford Pope books which documents it being purchased by Alan Windsor from Kirkwood Brothers in Boston around 1942. The attribution to Charles Herrick came from Alan Windsor who also mentioned in a letter to Claude Roderick that he was certain that Herrick had shot with this rifle at Walnut Hill. This rifle shows much use but remains very honest and original to its configuration after leaving Kirkwood. A really nice period custom Pope barreled and Kirkwood stocked Ballard Schuetzen rifle that would benefit from a careful and thorough cleaning. (1D11164-42) {ANTIQUE} [Scott Ashley Collection] (4000/6000)