Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: 1895

Serial Number: 135998

Year of Manufacture: 1896 / Antique

Caliber: .45-70

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full-length Mag Tube

Barrel Length: 26", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch elevator sight that is 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 smooth walnut with capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some areas of finish wear and dark discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a mottled patina. The stocks rate in Very Good-Fine overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is faint scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Strongest finish is in the barrel with good blue along the top of the magazine tube. The bottom and sides of the magazine tube have gone to a fairly uniform patina. The receiver has a good amount of color and figuring with most surfaces somewhat muted or gone to a mottled patina. There is some scattered light surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. 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. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is the original Model 1895 that was in production from 1895 until 1915. The Model 1895 was the mechanical twin of the Model 1893 only made with larger dimensions to accommodate the larger rounds. This example has a 26" octagon barrel chambered for the powerful .45-70 cartridge. This rifle is a representation of early, quality Marlin manufacturing. With a great bore, much of its original metal finish, and strong mechanics, it will make a great addition to a Marlin or Antique lever-action rifle collection.