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First Year Production Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,600.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,500.00 USD
First Year Production Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle
Manufactured in 1881, this rifle comes with a number of documents including a notarized letter from Frontier Gun Shop in Tucson, Arizona which states that this rifle was purchased from Bradley Wright Crawford and that the rifle was accompanied by a letter stating it was owned by F.W. Crawford who was a surveyor during the Apache uprising when they were attacked by Geronimo on the Arizona, Old Mexico border. According to the letter, the stock was replaced in 1902. The letter does not identify the rifle by make or serial number. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/patent dates, the breech end is marked "45 Govt" and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame. Blade front and buckhorn rear sights and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with iron forend cap and buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45/70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1468
Condition: Refinished. The metal surfaces have a smooth artificial brown mixed with areas of smooth gray patina. The stock has been replaced and shows a small crack on the left wrist and a few minor dents and dings. The buttplate is ill-fitting and the screws do not fit properly. The forearm has a couple of minor cracks at the right rear, a number of small dents on the upper rear and a few minor scratches and dings. The markings are clear. The action is fine.