Marlin falling block in 40-63 Ballard

[TehGunky]

This came across my counter today, I don't know enough about it to give the guy a value for it. The hammer spring needs replaced and condition is sub-optimal, so I'm not envisioning a high dollar value for it, but it's interesting nonetheless.

Owner believes is is chambered in 40-63 (Ballard Everlasting?). I could see no calibre markings to confirm. Ballard trademark date is 1861, can't find a manufacture date or serial number. Could be hidden under the patina/rust somewhere. Heavy octagonal barrel. Bore is as one might expect of a rifle this age, looks like it hasn't seen much use for a while but rifling is still fairly clear.

The owner is looking for more information, I'm not having much success with Google given the information I was provided.

 

[cdnrokon]

pull the forearm off the caliber might be stamped underside, a little rusty crusty but should clean up, How is the bore condition?
I have owned a few in the past and still shoot one, they made them in a few different calibers. The owner should do a chamber cast to determine caliber.
Parts are hard to find as the two reproduction companies that used to re make the Ballards are gone.
There is a casting company that makes raw parts and a main spring might be able to be mfg.

It looks like a #2 sporting Ballard with a two line Marlin Ballard stamp the serial number should be just below the forearm on the action

it's likely a forged #4 sporting Rifle. or #2 Sporting rifle. But to be positive one needs to drop the breech block out, and check below the barrel chamber area for a void in the action. A void means it's a cast #2, and solid means a forged #4 action.
Serial numbers on Marlin Ballard rifles wont line up with typical Marlin date codes, so you can't use the serial numbers to determine date of mfg. All Ballards marked JM Marlin on the side will be pre 1881, and those marked Marlin Firearms Co. will be post 1881.

 

[powderman]

The calibre should be stamped on the top barrel flat next to the receiver. The serial number will be on the the bottom of the receiver ahead of the lever, next to the forearm.

Looks to be a No.4

Regards
powderman

 

[trevj]

As an out of date price point, I saw a very much harder used example which was complete, but far enough gone that it was pretty much a no-guilt rebuilder, at a gun show a dozen years back, the guy was asking $1400, and ended up selling it for $450, which was still more than I would have parted with.

I would suggest that a parts inquiry on the ASSRA forum might draw a source for a spring out of the works.

 

[mooncoon]

I think the price hinges heavily on the condition of the bore including the throat area. I would think with a bad bore it is still worth $400 - $600 and with a good shootable bore $1000 plus depending on how bright and clean the bore is

cheers mooncoon

 

[rwnblack]

Yep it looks like a forged frame #4 Marlin Ballard. Given the condition issues I would agree with the others about value. I have 4 ballards and would probably buy this one one to if were offered in the $650 range but I am also a bit of a Ballard nut.