Marlin Ballard No. 4 Perfection .38-50 30″ Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260412PC002
Make: Marlin Ballard
Model: Perfection No. 4
Serial Number: 14393
Year of Manufacture: 1886 Antique
Caliber: .38-50 Everlasting Cartridge
Action Type: Single-Shot Falling Block Rifle
Markings: The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. 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 “38-50”. The bottom of the barrel is serial matched to the receiver.
Barrel Length: 30″ Octagonal
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a folding Beach style dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″. There has been some light sanding and refinish work done. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There is a repaired crack on the left side of the forend. There is some oil darkening around the receiver. Overall this stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There are a few spots of light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The barrel has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The color case is only visible in protected areas, most has been sanded and scrubbed. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in 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, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Marlin Ballard No. 4 Perfection is a desirable antique American single-shot sporting rifle, manufactured sometime between 1876 and 1891 and chambered in .38-50 Everlasting. The Ballard falling-block action has strong period appeal, and this example retains attractive sporting-rifle features including a 30″ octagonal barrel, folding Beach-style front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight, crescent steel buttplate, and an upper tang drilled and tapped for a peep sight. The receiver marking “J.M. MARLIN. NEW-HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. / BALLARD’S PATENT NOV. 5. 1861” is clear, which is an important positive for identification and collector interest.
Condition is honest but well-worn. The rifle retains virtually none of its original finish, with the barrel turned to brown patina and corrosion staining, along with scattered scratches and nicks. The case colors are mostly gone, visible only in protected areas, and much of the receiver finish appears to have been sanded or scrubbed. The screw heads are tooled but remain serviceable, and the markings are still clear. The stock has also seen some light sanding and refinish work, with general handling marks, oil darkening near the receiver, and a repaired crack on the left side of the forend. Even with those issues, the wood rates Good overall and still gives the rifle a respectable antique sporting appearance.
Mechanically, the rifle is described as functioning correctly, which is a meaningful advantage for a 19th-century single-shot rifle. The bore is also relatively serviceable for its age, being semi-bright with well-defined rifling and only a few spots of light pitting, rating 7/10. The .38-50 Everlasting chambering adds interest but may also limit practical shooting use due to ammunition availability and the specialized nature of the cartridge. As with any antique firearm, it should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing. Overall, this Ballard No. 4 Perfection is a solid representative antique sporting rifle with clear markings, good mechanical function, and a decent bore, though its collector value is limited by finish loss, evidence of cleaning, refinished wood, and the repaired forend crack. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF