Manufactured c. 1876-1883 by J.M. Marlin, No. 7 A-1 Long Range rifles are highly desired by single shot collectors today, as some of the top tier rifles of their kind. The receiver has highly attractive hand engraved factory scrollwork along with large fancy Gothic script "Ballard A1" on the left side and "Long Range" on the right side. The left side of the frame has the two-line J.M Marlin New Haven address above the Ballard patent marking. Fitted with a windage adjustable front sight with spirit level, tang mounted long range Vernier peep sight, and a Vernier peep sight also mounted on top of the buttstock. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured select walnut, with a checkered steel buttplate. The forearm has a horn cap. Matching serial number "1021" visible on the bottom of the receiver, barrel and on the rear surface of the forearm. Relevant information on the No. 7 A-1 Long Range rifles can be found in John Dutcher's "Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle" on pages 247-251, with similar examples pictured, including serial number 1017 close in range to this example offered. In the book, Dutcher states that he has recorded 18 No. 7 A-1 Long Range rifles serial numbered 782 through 1828 at the time of writing, and all were chambered for the .44-100 Ballard Everlasting cartridge with 2 13/16 inch case length. Includes a modern metal box containing twenty .44-100 shell casings, and two .44 bullet molds.

Very good, retains strong traces of the original blue finish concentrated on both ends of the barrel and in the protected area beneath the forearm with smooth brown patina on the balance, strong traces of original case colors showing in protected areas with smooth gray patina on the frame, scattered light freckling, some patches of light pitting concentrated towards the muzzle end of the barrel, and sharp engraving. Replacement screws on the tang and buttstock mounted sights. Wood is also very good, with scattered light scratches and dents, a nick at the front top of the comb, a reattached glued cracked section visible on top of the wrist, and mostly defined edges. Mechanically excellent.