Dimensions: same as Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co. sporting rifles. Markings: left side of frame marked with manufacturer, "BROWN MFG. CO. NEWBURYPORT, MASS.". Over patent, "BALLARD'S PATENT/ NOV. 5, 1861". Serial no. on top of barrel and frame. Upon the failure of Merrimack Arms & Manufacturing Company in early 1869, plant was purchased by John Hamilton Brown, who continued producing Ballard patent rifles until 1873 in a serial range consecutive with that of its three predecessors (Ball & Williams, R. Ball & Co. and Merrimack Arms & Mfg. Co.). Approximately 2,000 Ballard arms were produced during period of Brown's manufacture of Ballard (serial numbers about 20,325 through 22,100). Brown-made Ballards' tend to exhibit finer finishing than earlier produced rifles, accounting for their average higher value. Special features, such as breakdown facility and side extractors (on .22 cal. rifles) will also positively affect prices.