Make: Marlin
Model: 1881 Small Receiver
Serial Number: 17658
Year of Manufacture: Shipped October 03, 1887
Caliber: .32-40
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24", Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade set between a base, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece deluxe checkered select walnut with straight grip, straight comb, crescent steel buttplate, and capped forend. The number on the stock inside the tang inletting matches the receiver. There are scattered nicks, compressions, and scratches. The checkering is crisp with light peak wear. There is a thin crack on the bottom of the forend at the cap. There are tiny grain separations on top of the wrist at the tang. There is some pitting on the right side of the forend cap. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are cleaning marks on the plate but the remaining case colors are strong with a few scattered pits. The stocks rate in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Hardened
Finish Originality: The barrel has its original factory finish. The receiver's finish is original to the finish applied at the time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some erosion near the muzzle that interrupts some of the rifling. The rest of the bore is exceptional. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The case colors are vibrant and strong throughout with gentle muting on the leading edges. There are a few pits that show light cleaning around them. There are a few deep engraving cuts on the right side of the receiver near the loading port. There is a small crack at the rear bottom edge of the loading port. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked strong slots. The markings are clear, the engraving remains sharp. There is a protective coating on most of the receiver. There is light intermittent oxidation. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle comes with a CFM record search.
Our Assessment: Marlin's Model 1881 was the company's first lever-action repeating rifle and established Marlin as a serious competitor in the large-frame sporting-rifle market. Initially developed around powerful black-powder cartridges, the line was later expanded to include the .32-40 and .38-55, cartridges well suited to both sporting and target use. This example takes that already desirable platform a step further with deluxe checkered walnut and extensive engraving attributed per consignor to Chris Meyer, whose work reflects the ornate European-influenced scroll traditions associated with the Ulrich school of American firearms engraving.
Serial 17658 is documented by the accompanying CFM record search as having shipped October 3, 1887. Its 24" octagon barrel, matching deluxe stock, strong remaining finish, vivid case colors, and crisp engraving give this rifle substantial visual and collector appeal. The bright, sharply rifled .32-40 bore remains very respectable despite localized erosion near the muzzle, and the action functions correctly. With its antique status, high grade furniture, documented shipment date, and engraving, this is a distinctive and highly attractive Model 1881 that stands well apart from standard-production examples.
