Item Description
Original Item: One Only. The Ballard rifle system was invented and patented by Charles H. Ballard of Worcester, Mass in November 1861. During the civil war, various companies were employed under contract to manufacture a carbine version, which saw use in the U.S. Civil War. After the war ended, manufacture was continued for both commercial and a few government contracts.
This example has a full length stock with two sling swivels, which would indicate that it was made for military use. It has a 30 inch rifled barrel, and measures 45 1/4 inches in overall length. There is a standard two leaf flip sight on the rear of the barrel, and the Ballard system manual ejector under the forestock near the receiver.
The receiver is marked on the left side with the manufacturer and patent information:
BROWN MFG. Co. NEWBURYPORT. MASS.
BALLARD'S PATENT
NOV. 5.1861
There is also a PATENTED JAN 5 1864 marking on the hammer. Serial number 21352 is stamped on the barrel behind of the rear sight and also on the receiver top, and the barrel is also marked No. 46 in front of the sight. One of the most interesting features of this version of the Ballard system is the “split” breechblock ;with a dual percussion/rimfire ignition system. This “dual” system allowed for use of rimfire ammunition or “capping breech loader” ammunition. The rimfire firing pin on this example is missing, but the cap nipple is still present, though it is cracked.
The metal surfaces are in good condition, though the finish is worn, with some light peppering in places. The markings on the metalwork ;are mostly legible, so this example does not appear to have been refinished. The walnut stocks show the usual wear and tear from use, with some cracks and small chunks missing, but no major structural damage. Bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish, and just a bit of dirt and oxidation in the grooves. The action cycles correctly, with the only issue being the manual ejector under the forestock sticking at times.
The early falling block action used was ahead of its time, but the competition with Sharps, Spencer and others was overwhelming. The result is that these rifles are very scarce today but are essential to be included in any early breech loader collection. Fully cleaned and ready to display!
Specifications-
Years of Manufacture: circa 1869-1873
Caliber: .46
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge or Cap & Ball Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 inches
Overall Length: 45 1/4 inches
Action: Falling Breech with Manual Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot
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- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
- IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to posses, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in live condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
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