Featured in this lot we have a Civil War era Merwin & Bray 1865 Ballard breech loading rifle chambered in 10.65 caliber barrel. The Ballard design was one of the favorite long arms during the Civil War period, though production numbers do not necessarily reflect it. The original designer was Charles H. Ballard; his agents Merwin & Bray oversaw production between several different companies. It was a simple, single shot falling block action and was one of the early guns that would fire a metallic cartridge. The rifle displays a 23 3/4" long barrel with the front half round and the barrel near the frame shifting to octagonal design. The piece shows a breech action, steel frame, walnut stock and fore grip, shrouded front sight, and adjustable pop up rear sight on the grip. The rifle is marked across the side of the frame reading "Merwin & Bray AGT'D New York". The top of frame and barrel are stamped with heart and geometric stamps with the serial number. The rifle shows good condition overall with some pitting across the piece due to wear and age. Serial Number: 17432. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.