In answer to your first question...I am not aware of a list of manufacture dates as is available for the high-wall, for instance (and it's not for lack of looking!)  ???  You may be assured that it was made before the early 1890s when Marlin ceased regular production of the Ballard.

You might be able to get a feel for the date by comparing it to the last serial numbers known and working back, but that is pretty iffy.  A little info may be derived from the manufacturer's stamping, with J. Marlin being the older one.  I don't have my books with me right now to be more specific.

Identifying the model as a Pacific (also called a #5) is not too hard if it is a standard issue.  The rifle should have a medium heavy full octagon barrel (about like a Winchester #4) with a wooden "wiping rod" slung underneath.  The fore end should have a single screw running laterally through the wood and the bottom edge of the barrel, and the buttstock is probably a standard rifle with crescent buttplate, but may have a shotgun style butt.  There is no pistol grip or cheek piece.  Basic issue sights are blade front and a standard semi-buckhorn rear, but these were frequently upgraded.  Finally, the breech block should have double set triggers and a lever that ends in a small oval loop.  One additional point is that it will have serial numbers on every major piece and if original they should all match.

This got longer than expected, but maybe it will help.  For further info, refer to either Layman's little paperback book on Ballards or for the full story go to Dutcher's epic work that virtually tells it ALL! 

HTH, Froggie

Froggie, Thanks much for the information.. you described it perfectly.. it must be the Pacific but the sights are missing.  Ray's information leads me down another road of uncertainty... maybe it's a Ball & Williams that duplictes the Ballard Pacific based on the serial number range.. maybe pictures would help.

Vall,
My rifle has been painted with a heavy coat of green and hides any marking other than the serial number which was found on the bottom of the receiver and under the barrel when I removed the forearm.  I can't see any markings.. i'll try to send you a photo to your e-mail.

I'll work on a safe way to remove the paint and would really appreciate a copy of the article on the Ballard.  Thanks for the offer to send it to me.
Rhett Imperiale
P.O. Box 125
Hydesville, Ca. 95547

Paint remover has revealed the Marlin Firemarms over Ballard markings on the left side of the receiver.  Alos the barrel is marked 45 govt on the top just in front of the action.  The pitting is not bad and quite shallow... encouraging for a restoration I hope.  I sent photos to marlinguy for his advice.
thanks all..