Make: Marlin
Model: 1893
Serial Number: 117599
Year of Manufacture: 1895 / Antique
Caliber: .38-55
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 26", Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade set in a base, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel; the notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, pistol grip with characteristic "S"-shaped bottom, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The checkering is defined with light peak wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The receiver has worn to white and taken to a mottled patina. The case color is muted with faint figuring visible in the protected areas. The finish on the barrel is exceptionally strong. There is thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the lever locks up solidly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a CFM Record Search which confirms this configuration. Of important note, this rifle was originally shipped on January 12, 1895. There is a second entry with the same configuration but another shipping date of December 17, 1895. It appears likely that this rifle was returned to Marlin to be engraved and after about a year the rifle was returned to the customer. After engraving Marlin would has finished the barrel again which is why the engraving is more crisp and the caliber and barrel address markings not as crisp.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1893 was an important refinement of the company’s solid-top, side-ejecting lever-action system and became the direct ancestor of the later Model 36 and Model 336. Chambered for powerful rifle cartridges such as the .38-55, the Model 1893 could also be ordered with upscale features including pistol-grip stocks, hand checkering, and factory engraving, placing embellished examples well above ordinary sporting rifles in both original cost and collector interest. Factory-engraved Model 1893s survive in comparatively small numbers, and documented special-order rifles are particularly desirable among advanced Marlin collectors.
Serial number 117599 is an especially attractive example, combining a 26" octagon .38-55 barrel with checkered pistol-grip walnut, factory engraving, and substantial original finish. The accompanying CFM Record Search confirms the recorded configuration and shows an original shipment on January 12, 1895, followed by a second entry with the same configuration dated December 17, 1895. Given the time between the two shipments and the lack of any additional features recorded, it is likely that this rifle was Factory Engraved during this period before it was shipped a second time, which also explains the relationship between the factory finish on the barrel and the markings. With strong barrel blue, traces of original case color, fine stocks, and an intact mechanically sound action, this is a scarce and highly collectible factory-embellished Marlin from the heart of the black-powder lever-rifle era.
