Marlin Ballard 38-55 Win Falling Block Rifle & Winchester Scope Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,026.00
LSB#: LSB250521RR028
Make: Marlin
Model: Ballard
Serial Number: 22975
Year of Manufacture: 1870 to 1890
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling Block, Lever actuated
Markings: The side of the receiver is marked “MARLIN FIRE ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / BALLARD’S PATENT NOV. 5, 1861” The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “22975”. The scope is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED FEBRUARY 9, 1909 / -B5”.
Barrel Length: 30 Inches, Octagonal to Round.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed and screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding adjustable peep sight mounted to the top tang. A Winchester B5 scope is mounted to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece walnut buttstock and forend, with a semi-pistol grip with cheek piece, and a brass two-prong Swiss buttplate on the buttstock. The forend has a schnabel style tip with a horn insert on the bottom.
Type of Finish: Blued (Barrel). Case Colored (Receiver).
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal current metal finish. The balance of finish shows moderate to heavy wear with the finish thinning throughout the barrel. The remaining finish on the barrel has turned to a patina. The case color on the receiver is pretty strong, but is fading as well. There is surface corrosion starting on the right side of the receiver, and there is pitting on the muzzle. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The set triggers function as they should, with a very light trigger pull that breaks very clean for a rifle of this age. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all firearms, many may want to clean this firearm depending on their own maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This antique Marlin Ballard rifle in .38-55 Winchester is a classic example of late 19th-century American craftsmanship and a testament to the enduring popularity of precision single-shot target rifles. Built by the Marlin Fire Arms Company between 1870 and 1890, this rifle embodies the Ballard legacy—revered for accuracy, robust design, and graceful aesthetics. The falling block action, still appreciated today for its strength and simplicity, is paired here with deluxe features such as a horn-tipped Schnabel forend, cheekpiece stock, and a Swiss-style brass buttplate—all hallmarks of a purpose-built target rifle.
The presence of a Winchester B5 scope, patented in 1909 and mounted to a rifle made decades earlier, speaks to this rifle’s continued use into the 20th century by a shooter who clearly valued performance. The rifle retains strong case coloring on the receiver and crisp bore condition, which is exceptionally rare for a firearm of this vintage. The sharp rifling and mirror-bright bore suggest this rifle saw careful use and maintenance, likely by a competitive marksman or serious enthusiast.
Mechanically sound and equipped with functional set triggers, this rifle would be right at home in a high-grade collection of early American single-shots or a vintage black powder cartridge silhouette match—if the shooter desired to breathe new life into it. Its combination of aesthetic appeal, outstanding bore, and historically significant features (like the Marlin markings and Winchester scope) elevate it far beyond typical antique status. For collectors who appreciate the intersection of elegance, utility, and mechanical excellence, this Ballard is a worthy acquisition. Please check out our high quality photos and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
