Identification Help, Please

[bjarta]

I inherited a rifle from my grandfather. Marked on the side is:
JM Marlin New Haven Conn. USA
Patented Feb. 9, 1875
Ballards patent No 5, 1861
The serial number on the bottom is 2878

It has a 28" barrel. There are no caliber markings on it. I did get 2 boxes of cartridges with it and they are marked:
US Target Cartridges
Cal. 38 short
Rim Fire
Black Powder

So I am assuming the caliber is .38 short rimfire.

The condition looks good, all markings are readable, the stock is intact and no cracks. The rifling looks good too.
Any idea what this rifle is and it's worth? Are the cartirdges worth anything?

[Sure-Shot]

Made in 1879 late or 1880 early, serial no. 3500 was made in 1880 to give the estimate. Pictures are a must to give any king of a ballpark figure on value, hands on inspection would be better. Hang in a bit and one of the Ballard collectors will pop in.

[bjarta]

Pictures...DUH! Shows you how new I am to this! I have some decent JPEG's on my pc, but don't know how to get them on the post........sorry, my ignorance at this is showing again......

[Hunt4em]

By your description you have a #2 Marlin Ballard. You should be able to remove and flip the firing pin to change from rimfire to center fire by removing the screw in he breech block, just in front of the hammer. As for value condition is everything and pics would help.

John

[Sure-Shot]

bjarta if you email them to me I will post them for you. lounrw@comcast.net