Marlin Ballard No. 2 Sporting Rifle 44 WCF 30″ Octagon Single Shot Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,650.00
LSB#: LSB260513BR001
Make: Marlin Ballard
Model: No. 2 Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: 2018
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1876-1880 Antique
Caliber: 44 WCF, 44-40
Action Type: Single shot, falling block, centerfire rifle
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “J.M. Marlin New Haven Conn U.S.A. Ballard’s Patent Nov 5 1861”. The top of the barrel is marked “44 W”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Beach style combination sight dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. There is a peep sight mounted on the upper tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, schnabel tip with ebony insert, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent iron buttplate. The LOP is 13 3/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are some more notable dents on the right side of the stock. There is cracking at the wrist. Overall this stock is in Fair to Good condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion, mostly at the breech end of the barrel. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its original finish. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. The color case is muted with corrosion stains. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition for antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly but it should be noted that the lever spring is loose. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Marlin Ballard No. 2 Sporting Rifle is a classic American single-shot built on the strong and well-regarded Ballard falling-block action. This example is chambered in .44 W.C.F. and features a 30″ octagon barrel, Beach-style combination front sight, tang-mounted peep sight, and walnut stocks with a Schnabel forend and ebony insert. Its long barrel, period sighting arrangement, and substantial original finish give it strong appeal as an early Marlin sporting rifle.
The Ballard action originated with Charles H. Ballard’s 1861 patent and passed through several manufacturers before Marlin began producing the design in New Haven. Under Marlin, the Ballard became one of the leading American single-shot rifles of the late 19th century, offered in numerous sporting and target configurations. The No. 2 Sporting Rifle was intended as a practical field arm, and the .44-40 chambering gave shooters access to one of the most popular centerfire cartridges of the era.
This rifle retains about 70% of its original finish, with scattered scratches, corrosion staining, and muted case colors. The walnut stocks rate in Fair to Good antique condition due to dents and cracking at the wrist. The bright bore has well-defined rifling with minor erosion near the breech and rates 8.5/10, while the action functions correctly, though the lever spring is loose. Overall, this is a Good-condition antique Marlin Ballard No. 2 with strong collector appeal and a desirable period configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF