Determining year/model of Ballard

[ML76]

Hello all and thank you for allowing me to join in on your forum. I have recently acquired a Ballard rifle and I'm having Trouble determining what model I have. It is stamped J.M. Marlin Ballard's patent Nov 5, 1861. It's serial number on the tang and on the underside, in front of the lever are both 2123 and it appears someone has possibly altered the lever. The only book I have on Ballard's is "A guide to the Ballard breechloader" by George J. Layman. Any help to steer me in the right direction would be much appreciated. I am going to try to post some pictures as soon as I can figure out how!

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

ML76;

Since your Ballard is marked J.M. Marlin, it would have been made sometime between 1875 and 1881. After 1881, the Ballards were marked Marlin Fire-Arms Company. With a serial number as low as yours, it should have been made in either late 1875 or early 1876 as there are no records pertaining to Ballards as manufactured by Marlin.

[marlinman93]

With so many Marlin Ballard models and so many Ballard rifles being customized, it's going to take pictures to determine which model it might be, and whether it's still original, or has modifications made.

[ML76]

Thanks for the reply and the info. I have pictures to post but it doesn't seem to be allowing to post them. I'm guessing I'll have to get permission from the moderator to do so? I apologize, I'm new to online forums.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

ML76;

Instructions for posting photos can be found in the first post in the section titled "No Longer Guest Questions"

[marlinman93]

If you don't get it figured out using the link Regnier posted, send me an email through this site and I'll look at picture to see if we can determine which model you have.