Make: Marlin Fire Arms Co.

Model: Model 1893 Deluxe Takedown, Two-Barrel Set

Serial Number: 116158

Year of Manufacture: 1894 / Antique. The included Cody Firearms Records Office letter records the rifle's .38-55 configuration as shipped December 11, 1894. A second factory entry for the same serial number records the .32-40 configuration as shipped March 27, 1895.

Caliber: .38-55 Winchester and .32-40 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action, Takedown Rifle fed by a Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 28" Octagonal

Sights / Optics: Each barrel assembly is equipped with a front sight and barrel-mounted sporting rear sight. A folding tang-mounted aperture sight is installed on the rifle. Included correspondence regarding the restoration states that both barrel assemblies retained their original factory sights.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture consists of a highly figured checkered walnut pistol-grip buttstock and two matching checkered walnut forends, one fitted to each barrel assembly. The buttstock has a S-shaped bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered hard rubber Marlin buttplate. The wood has attractive figure and a deep, rich finish. The checkering remains sharp and well defined. There are only faint handling and storage marks with no notable chips or cracks. Overall, the furniture is in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case Hardened, Walnut

Finish Originality: Professionally restored by Turnbull, according to the included correspondence.

Bore Condition: Both bores are bright with sharp rifling and minimal erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its Turnbull Restored finish. The receiver, lever, hammer, and associated components display vivid color case hardening, while the barrel assemblies and magazine tubes retain nearly all of their deep blue finish. There is little more than faint handling, assembly, and storage wear. The screw heads and small parts remain very well preserved. The rifle presents exceptionally well throughout. Overall, the rifle rates in Excellent - Like New condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a fitted leather-covered takedown case with green-lined interior, carry handle, retaining straps, and keys. Also included are a sectional cleaning rod and accessories, two wood-handled screwdrivers, metal oil or accessory containers, a wooden cartridge block, a Cody Firearms Records Office factory letter, a copy of the relevant original Marlin factory ledger entry, and correspondence discussing the rifle's configuration and Turnbull restoration.

Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1893 was one of Lewis L. Hepburn's most important lever-action designs, incorporating a strengthened locking system and two-piece firing pin into Marlin's solid-top, side-ejecting action. The rifle was introduced for the longer .32-40 and .38-55 cartridges, making this early 1894 example particularly representative of the Model 1893 in its original form. Marlin's solid receiver and side ejection were defining features of the company's lever-action rifles, and the Model 1893 became the direct ancestor of a lineage that ultimately developed into the Model 336.

This is an especially attractive example due to its Deluxe pistol-grip and checkered configuration, factory-recorded takedown arrangement, two-caliber setup, extensive documentation, and high-quality Turnbull restoration. The Cody records are particularly interesting: serial number 116158 is recorded first as a .38-55 Model 1893 with a 28" octagonal barrel, pistol-grip stock, and takedown configuration, shipped December 11, 1894, then appears again as a .32-40 Model 1893 with an octagonal barrel, pistol-grip stock, and takedown configuration, shipped March 27, 1895. It is unclear if it is a ledger mistake, which Marlin is known to have done from time to time, or a different barrel got paired with it at some point. Regardless, presented today in Excellent - Like New condition with 99% finish, superb wood, vivid case colors, excellent bores, its fitted case, accessories, and supporting records, this is an unusually complete and visually striking early Model 1893 set. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!