Make: Marlin

Model: 1875 First Variation

Serial#: 9332

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1875

Caliber: .32 Rimfire Short

Action Type: Single action, rimfire revolver, with 5 shot cylinder, and spur trigger

Barrel Length: 3"

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade on top of the integral barrel rib. The rear sight is a V notch in the top strap of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece smooth rosewood. There is some handling wear. There are light scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these grips are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel plated

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is faint. There is some erosion throughout. There is corrosion and pitting throughout. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 75% of its nickel plated finish. There is some chipped and flaked nickel. There is worn nickel on the leading edges. There are scratches and light pits throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this revolver is in Good to Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Before Marlin became synonymous with lever-action rifles, John Mahlon Marlin established himself producing compact cartridge pistols and revolvers in New Haven, Connecticut. The No. 32 Standard 1875 was one of his early tip-up pocket revolvers, using a five-shot single-action mechanism, spur trigger, ribbed barrel, and bird's-head grip. This example is the scarce First Variation, manufactured in 1875 and chambered specifically for .32 Short Rimfire. The subsequent Second Variation introduced the longer cylinder capable of accepting both .32 Short and .32 Long Rimfire ammunition. Marlin collector references confirm the distinction between the short and long cylinders, with the short cylinder intended only for .32 Short and the longer version accommodating either cartridge.

This 1875 First Variation retains about 75% of its original nickel-plated finish, with scattered flaking and chipping, wear along the leading edges, scratches, and light pitting. The smooth rosewood grips remain notably well preserved for their age, showing light handling wear, scratches, and compression marks but no chips or cracks. The gray bore retains faint rifling with erosion, corrosion, and pitting throughout and rates 6/10. The numbered components match, and the action functions correctly. With its original nickel finish, matching numbered parts, early short-cylinder .32 Short Rimfire configuration, and classic spur-trigger design, this is an appealing survivor from John Marlin's early revolver-producing years. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!