Make: Marlin

Model: 1889

Serial Number: 60217

Year of Manufacture: 1891

Caliber: .38 WCF (38-40)

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 11. 1887. APRIL. 2. 1889” and “.38-W”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The serial number is found on the underside of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade set between two bases dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Lyman No. 6 folding leaf sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present). 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth wood with a capped forearm, straight grip and comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. There is scattered finish loss and areas of darkening from age and handling. There are several scattered nicks, scratches, dings, and compressions. The right side of the forearm is marked “26”. The wood is dark where the wood meets metal. There is a small gash on the bottom of the forearm. There are no cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent steel buttplate, which shows a dark patina, oxidation, and scrapes at the heel and toe. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Hardened

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dim with scattered erosion and pitting, concentrated toward the muzzle. The rifling is defined. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10. 

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has turned to a deep patina with intermittent original finish in between. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is corrosion at the muzzle and intermittently on portions of the barrel, mag tube and receiver. There is no notable pitting except at the muzzle. There are scattered nicks and dings throughout the metal. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety is present and functional. The hammer has a half cock safety position but will still fall if the trigger is pulled hard enough. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Letter

Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1889 Lever Action was the first of Marlin’s solid top, side ejection rifles. Marlin attempted to give Winchester a run for their money as a top repeating rifle producer, and all the Marlin lever rifle models that followed (1894, 1895, 39 and 336) descend from this original 1889 design. You can feel Western history come alive when you hold this rifle in your hands and it would make a terrific addition to an Antique Marlin collection.