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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard (Read 33230 times)
stebbinsgr
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Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Dec 12th, 2009 at 2:00pm
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I have a Marlin / Ballard with a Stevens-Pope barrel (#1950) in .32 40.  The Marlin (Ballard) receiver has serial # 34615.

I suspect it was made before 1900, but, what year and any other info that is available?

Does anyone with Dutcher's book know if there is information on the Marlin Ballard serial numbers included in the book?

I know my Grandfather (Alfred Louis Stebbins) bought the rifle from Jake Huntzinger in Hartford, CT in May 1928.  I got that  info from Tom Rowe.  But, I would be curious as to when the receiver was made for this rifle and any other information that may be available.
  
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Green_Frog
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #1 - Dec 12th, 2009 at 3:04pm
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All production of Ballards ended sometime in the early 1890s, so you are correct to assume it is pre-1900.  AFAIK, there is no list of serial numbers available.  I am reasonably sure that Dutcher made that point in his book.  You can get a rough idea of age and date of manufacture from the roll mark on the receiver, and of course higher numbers tend to be later numbers, but it will take someone more knowledgeable than I to be any more specific than that.  Undecided

Froggie
  
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ledball
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #2 - Dec 12th, 2009 at 6:04pm
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     The Stevens Pope barrel #1950 would be toward the end of production the last Pope barrels from Stevens, around 1912. ledball
  
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thop
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #3 - Dec 12th, 2009 at 6:09pm
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steppsgr,
Flayderman's guide indicates the Marlin Ballards were made between 1875 to 1891 qualifying them as antiques, or non-guns, in the eyes of the BATF.  It appears they were manufactured under the John M. Marlin name from 1875 to 1881 and finally under the Marlin Firearms name from1881 to 1891.  Both locations were New Haven Connecticut.  Hope this helps narrow it down.  Terry H.
  

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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #4 - Dec 12th, 2009 at 7:13pm
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Sir   If the receiver is marked J M MARLIN , it was made before those marked Marlin Firearms. The SN of the barrel indicates it was rifled after Pope left Stevens. It may have been rifled by Fred Ross using the Pope method.    Bob
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #5 - Dec 13th, 2009 at 1:10pm
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I don't believe there were any Ballards with serial numbers that high marked JM Marlin. It should be a Marlin Firearms Co. marked receiver, and the highest known is around 36,000 This would make your gun's receiver probably towards the last in around 1889-90 time frame.
  

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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #6 - Dec 14th, 2009 at 4:58pm
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A late #6 with rebate? Huh.  Wheres the false muzzle? Better leave it attached or it'll get seperated from the rifle. 
My shooting box was stolen out of my car at Modesto a few years ago. Good thing I didnt have any false muzzles stored in it. Wouldnt mind getting that box with contents back either. 

The action looks to be straight grip. Still a nice old target rifle. 

    Joe. 
  

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marlinguy
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #7 - Dec 15th, 2009 at 11:35pm
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I doubt a #6 Joe. Looks like a Pacific receiver with a #6 lever. Most of these old schuetzens were made up of various parts. An inspection of the receiver, breechblock, and lever serial numbers would confirm if they are from 2 or 3 guns.
  

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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #8 - Dec 15th, 2009 at 11:49pm
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Agreed. That is if all the parts are numbered. Typical ole target rifle. Looks to be in better shape than most.  Wink

                                        Joe.  Smiley
  

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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #9 - Jul 1st, 2012 at 1:16am
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I just picked up a #3 Gallery rifle I think. It's the only one I have. It's in Bad Shape but complete except for the rear barrel sight is missing. It does have the original gallery sight though. 
The Serial # is 36483 and has the 3 line address with Marlin Firearms Co on the left side with the other writing.
I'm hoping I can make this into a .22 rimfire shooter someday, Needs new wood, probably a Liner, and Not sure about the insides yet, but the lever hangs down some when you hold the rifle up.

Terry Smiley
  

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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #10 - Jul 1st, 2012 at 8:29am
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Shovel80, a new link will likely solve the drooping lever issue. That's a common problem with well worn Ballards and a quick fix. I believe you can get one from Ballard Arms.
  
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John Boy
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #11 - Jul 1st, 2012 at 11:04am
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Quote:
Shovel80, a new link will likely solve the drooping lever issue. That's a common problem with well worn Ballards and a quick fix. I believe you can get one from Ballard Arms.
Be sure to send Ballard Arms a drawing of the link.  JM's have a slightly different screw hole position in the link than the Marlins
  
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #12 - Jul 1st, 2012 at 11:08am
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Thanks for the replies Guys, I'll check out Ballard Arms!

Terry Smiley
  

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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #13 - Jul 1st, 2012 at 6:53pm
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Shovel, you indicate that you think your Ballard is a #3. Is the top of the receiver concave (dished)? If it is, then your rifle is a #3.
  
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shovel80
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Re: Date of Manufacture - Marlin Ballard
Reply #14 - Jul 1st, 2012 at 10:13pm
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Yes, the top of the receiver is Dished! Are the #3's the only Model with the Dished Receiver?

Thanks Guys!

Terry Smiley
  

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