Marlin Ballard Custom .22 LR 26” Rigby Barrel Falling Block Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#: WY250324AJ024

Make: J.M. Marlin

Model: Ballard Custom Target Rifle

Serial Number: 15691

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1870s–1880s, Antique

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)

Action Type: Falling Block, Single Shot

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “J.M. MARLIN, NEW-HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / PATENTED FEBRUARY 9, 1875 / BALLARD’S PATENT NOV. 5, 1861.” The top of the octagonal barrel is marked “JOHN RIGBY & CO. DUBLIN & LONDON.” The right side of the butt stock is marked GBH 19.

Barrel Length: 26” Octagonal Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Globe set in a dovetail. The rear sight is a folding semi-buckhorn. There is a folding aperture tang sight mounted to the barrel, suitable for precision target work.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is fitted with a refinished straight wrist walnut buttstock and matching forearm. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Horn buttplate. There are scattered compressions, light scuffs. No visible cracks or major chips. The stocks rate in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued barrel, case-colored receiver (now faded to patina)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is mostly-sharp. There is light visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its original metal finish. The balance shows even thinning, patina, and scattered surface oxidation. There is some browning on the receiver and gray freckling along the barrel flats. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are clean. The markings are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This antique Marlin Ballard rifle is an exceptional example of 19th-century precision shooting craftsmanship. It was manufactured by J.M. Marlin in New Haven and fitted with a custom octagonal barrel by the renowned John Rigby & Co., a prestigious barrel maker from Dublin and London. The combination of American design and British barrel-making excellence was likely intended for high-level target shooting or competition.

The Ballard was a preferred platform for accuracy-focused marksmen during the late 1800s, and this .22 LR variant would have been a premium option for rimfire target shooters of the era. The excellent bore, crisp mechanics, and fine long-range aperture sight are all signs that this rifle was made to perform.

Collectors will appreciate this rifle not only as a fine example of Marlin and Rigby collaboration but as a rare and functional piece of rimfire shooting history. As a pre-1898 antique, it requires no FFL transfer and would make a standout addition to any advanced Ballard or target rifle collection. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck with your bids.-C.M