I have what appears to be a JM Marlin (two line address) Ballard No. 2 Sporting rifle in 32 Long, SN 9064. It is in rough condition now, but at one time it was a very fine rifle, purchased with many extras. I am trying to discern the history of the rifle. 
The offhand brass butt plate on the rifle currently baffles me. It is of the Swiss style, but it does not exactly match any of those shown on page 212 of Dutcher’s book and is not one of the optional extras that could be purchased, as listed on page 93 of Dutcher’s book. The butt plate has number “2380 8” stamped on it and it appears to have been expertly fitted to the select walnut, checkered pistol grip stock many years ago (13 ½” length of pull). The number on the butt plate does not match the SN stamped on the stock, so I question whether it was original to the rifle. It may be worth noting that the breechblock has a different serial number (14549) than the rest of the rifle and accommodates RF only (i.e. no ability to convert to center fire). The rifle has been in this same condition for at least the past 80+ years.  I wonder if the offhand butt plate could have been added at the same time that the replacement breechblock was fitted to the frame. Are there any other known styles of offhand butt plates used by Marlin? 

Thanks

Blackhawk wrote on Jan 28^th, 2019 at 5:56pm:


The stock has been "made to fit" this plate, but in all honesty, "expertly" does not exactly describe the wood-to-metal fit I see in this photo. 

Maynard Swiss butt plate for sure. Expertly fitted-no.

Thanks for the feedback and things to investigate. Please forgive my lengthy response, but perhaps some additional information will provide more answers/opinions.

Aside from the butt plate and breechblock, I do not believe the rifle was a build-up. The SN’s stamped on the barrel, frame, forearm, and stock are all matching. The frame is cast iron with a two line JM Marlin address on the left side. The caliber (32 Long) is stamped on the top flat of the half octagon barrel, just in front of the frame. The rifle has many special features that could be ordered from Marlin when purchasing a No. 2 (e.g. 24” half octagon-half round barrel, checkered forearm with carved horn tip, checkered pistol grip stock of select walnut, engraved side panels of frame with running deer and running buffalo as shown on pages 224 and 228 of Dutcher’s book, the engraved frame and finger loop lever were nickel plated, rear tang sight is a Lyman No. 1 and the rear sight slot on barrel is filled, the trigger is checked within a border, as is the reverse-curve hammer). The rifle’s finish is uniformly aged and worn. I have known the rifle to be in this same condition for the past 59 years. With the rifle having so many of the Marlin special order features, would it not seem plausible that the Swiss style butt plate was yet another feature ordered with the rifle?  Based on the SN of the rifle, I suspect it was built around 1883 -1885. Would this be correct?

I agree that a No. 2 should have a breechblock with the rimfire and centerfire conversion; however, my rifle does not. The breechblock locks up tight and solid with the closing of the finger loop lever. I suspect the rifle was sent back to the factory at some point in time to correct or repair some issue with the original breechblock. Does this sound plausible?

Some things to note about the stock.  At some point in time (pre-1930?) the rifle must have fallen and landed hard on the toe of the butt plate, which broke out a piece of wood from the left side of the stock (right where the horizontal wood screw is located. The top tang of the butt plate rotated about the vertical wood screw and chipped out the wood along the edge of the wood inlay. A quick home repair of the stock was eventually done in the 1960's and the "patch" was left proud. The rifle could then be shot with the butt plate attached. Removing the butt plate exposes the walnut and tool marks, left by a craftsman. Would a picture of a particular feature help?

Here's a Ballard buttplate, which by chance is on my #2 done in schuetzen style by the factory. This would be "expertly fitted", and deluxe wood.

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Marlinguy,
 
Is the buttstock on your No. 2 Ballard in Reply #8 rosewood? The grain and colour sure look like rosewood.

Regards,
Powderman

Seems like I am late to respond with photos but because I've already taken them here are a few more ...

powderman wrote on Jan 30^th, 2019 at 4:04pm:


Yes Powderman, it is a Rosewood stocked Ballard. It has most of the features of a Rigby Ballard I own, except not a faceted receiver, and sans engraving. And of course it's in .32 Long CF, with a cast receiver.