My original Ballard Pacific, manufactured in about 1877. Originally 40-63 caliber, but rebored and rechambered to .45-70 in the late '40's by an old gentleman and hunter who has since passed away. I bought it from his son about 20 years ago in very, very sad condition - the action would not even open, the barrel looked like the exhaust manifold on an old truck, the wood was rotted and cracked, etc. It had sat forgotten in the back of a damp garage ever since the old guy passed on.
When I bought it, I promised I would get it working again. To make a long story short, it has since accounted for several mulies (and one of my best ever - a non-typical 4x7), and it won a couple of mid range matches for me (500-600 yards, hence the sight base on the tang). As a matter of fact, it accounted for the last deer I took. Kinda heavy for me to lug around anymore, at about 12 pounds, but it sure is kind of an emotional experience when I do.
