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Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:475.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle
Manufactured in the mid to late 1880s. Rocky Mountain silver blade front sight, semi-buckhorn elevator rear sight and reproduction tang mounted long range peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked, "MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW - HAVEN, CT U.S.A." address over the patent and reissue dates, with arrows pointing inward flanking the top line. The top flat at the breech is marked "38-55". The loading gate has a sliding cover. Mounted with a smooth forearm with steel end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 38-55 WCF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 12266
Condition: Very good. The barrel and magazine retain 40% original blue finish, mainly in protected areas mixed with smooth gray and brown patina. There is some minor pitting on both. The receiver retains 60% thin original finish with streaks of brown on the sides and smooth gray patina on the top and bottom. The lever and hammer show strong original case colors in protected areas with the balance having a smooth dark patina. The wood has been sanded and refinished and remains very good with a few minor handling marks overall. The forearm is slightly oversized and is most likely a period replacement. Part of the patent date line is obscured by pitting, otherwise the markings are clear. The lever has a little bit of play, otherwise the action is fine.