Very interesting.  Assuming it’s not a prototype, & the one thing that suggests it’s not is the 92XX serial number.  Of course the block may not be original to the receiver.

When comparing it to the improved breechblock displayed on page 296 of John Dutcher’s book, the gunsmith had to mill out the rear of the block to make room for the new main trigger spring, make the main trigger spring, modify the hammer, make a fly, modify the main trigger & make all the components of the set-trigger assembly including drilling out both sides of the block to accept the trigger pivot pin & the screw to hold the set-trigger spring.  It appears he used the original trigger screw for the set-trigger.  Since there was no longer material to hold the sear spring found in factory set-triggers, the original trigger spring was repurposed into the sear spring.  All that took a lot of planning and gunsmithing talent.

Wayne

TomKlinger wrote on Jan 23^rd, 2026 at 1:28pm:


That makes sense! Thanks.

texasmac wrote on Jan 23^rd, 2026 at 8:35pm:


Ballard rifles by Marlin were serial numbered on the receiver, both breech block halves, the tang, buttstock and forearm, barrel, and buttplate if it's metal and not hard rubber. The stock and forearm were serial numbered on the ends that butt up to the receiver.

Tom, that is really nice.

Did you go lite on the polishing of the frame because of the engraving?  Or is it just the picture showing a more matte finish than the lever.
Bob

I like the toned down colors for an engraved action. It doesn't conceal the engraving like vivid colors do. I love vivid case colors on non engraved actions though.
I think the factories did something similar also as engraved rifles in high condition always appear to have lower level case colors often.

Wayne, 
I use #15819 clear bake on at 300* for 30 min.


Tom

TomKlinger wrote on Jan 25^th, 2026 at 9:19pm:


Thanks Tom.

Wayne

texasmac wrote on Jan 25^th, 2026 at 11:40pm:


I don't know for sure, but since we take such good care of our rifles I can't imagine it's not a good protective coating? I've been coating my stocks and metal on my hunting rifles for decades prior to taking them out in the fall for deer and elk hunting. Even in pretty ugly conditions the water beads up and runs off. And those rifles still look great.