1154

FINE DELUXE MODEL 1881 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
FINE DELUXE MODEL 1881 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 13803. Cal. 40 (40-60). Fine deluxe rifle with 28" oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight and Marlin semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver has factory dbl set triggers. Mounted with nicely figured American walnut with A-style checkered forearm and serpentine grip buttstock that has marlin smooth steel buttplate. Left side of top and bottom tangs, under the wood are marked with matching serial number which is also found on front edge of buttstock and inside buttplate. This rifle is consecutively numbered to another, engraved Marlin Model 1881 deluxe rifle being sold elsewhere in this auction. Rear face of buttstock is hand written in early India ink with what appears to be "Almon C. Colman / Buena Vista / Colorado / Dec-4-1888" Placed over this writing is an old, fragile piece of paper printed on one side "BENEVOLENT SOCIETY". On the other side is hand written in period ink apparently by the same hand, "ALMON. de. de oburns / Buena Vista Colorado / Dec-4-1888 / Written By Himself". A quick GOOGLE search disclosed no information under this name but the actual spelling in both places is not completely clear. While model '81 Marlins are occasionally encountered it is very rare to find one with orig, authentic identification. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. all matching. Bbl retains about 93-95% strong orig blue with light sharp edge were and a few light nicks and scratches. Magazine tube retains a plummy brown patina. Forend cap has a brazed repair and retains most of a restored blue finish. Forend cap screw is a replacement. Receiver retains 60-70% orig blue, worn to gray metal on the bottom, thin on the sides with several scratches on the left side. Lever and hammer retain faded case colors, mostly silver on lever. Buttplate has a few light nicks and scratches and retains most of a restored finish. Wood is sound and retains about all of a fine restored finish. Checkering has been freshened. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. Tang screw is a replacement. 4-49341 JR246