Ballard single shot rifle in 38 rimfire. Ballard single shot rifle in 38 rimfire. 24" octagon barrel has a poor to fair bore & is missing the front sight. Top of barrel is marked NO. 38 along with the serial number 18775. The left side of the frame is marked Merrimack Arms & MFG Co. Newburyport Mass Ballard's patient Nov. 5 1861 in four lines. This rifle has the dual percussion/cartridge system and the external extractor on the bottom of the forearm. Most metal surfaces are a silvery gray but the protected sides of the breechblock have a beautiful case colors. Wood stocks retain alot of original finish but the buttstock has the usual cracks behind the frame. This is a rare little ballard with only 2200 being made by Merrimack Arms. Estimated Value$1,200 - 1,500.