Marlin rifle

[Dave Mumpower]

I recently was given a rifle manufactured by the marlin firearms co.This gun
has an octogan barrell with a serial #26673. Stamped on the breech is-Patent
Feb.9,1818. Right below is stamped-Ballards Patent-Nov.6,1861.This rifle is
quite old and in need of a trigger and hammer. Both are broke. It is a lever
action, single shot. Any info. would be appreciated. Dave

 

[Jim Watson]

You have a Ballard single shot rifle, made after Marlin bought up the assets of the (several) previous makers of the design in 1875. I do not have information as to just when yours was made.

The Ballard Rifle Company makes faithful reproductions of the gun and sell parts. A hammer is $125 and a trigger $45, assuming you can fit them yourself or know someone to handle it. If not, they do restoration on originals. It would not be cheap.

http://www.ballardrifles.com/rifle_parts.html