^Lot 102 Axel Peterson's Personal Ballard Schuetzen Rifle

This rifle belonged to Axel Peterson, one of the premiere shooters and gunmakers of the Schuetzen age. Rifle was originally built by Ballard and according to accompanying letters from Reed Thompson and John Dutcher. This rifle was most likely re-barreled by Peterson's Master, George Schoyen, to a larger caliber then was re-barreled sometime by Peterson to 22 Long Rifle caliber. Rifle has a 28" blued sightless round barrel stamped "A. W. Peterson Denver, Colo.", in 22 Long Rifle caliber and is fitted with an A.W. Peterson 5x scope with crosshair reticle in his mounts. Case-hardened action is a Marlin/Ballard Union Hill No. 9 engraved in Nimsche floral style with Schoyen double set triggers and modified single spur lever. Stock is walnut and according to Ballard book was done by Schoyen's stock maker, Henry Simmons. The butt stock is a checkered Perch-belly Schuetzen stock with Schuetzen cheekpiece and is fitted with a nickel plated Helm butt plate. Matching walnut checkered Perch-belly splinter Schnabel forend fitted with folding palm rest with cork knob. This rifle is pictured on page 357 of John T. Dutcher's book, "Ballard The Great American Single Shot Rifle" with Axel Peterson holding it. Accompanying this rifle are letters of provenance from John T. Dutcher and Reed Thompson. It is a great historical single shot rifle. J.T. Livengood Collection. CALIBER: 22 LR. S/N: 7382. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
90% fading barrel blue with handling marks. Action exhibits 90% fading case colors with sharp engraving. Stock has crack in cheekpiece with traces of original finish. Good bore with crisp mechanics.