Make: Marlin

Model: 1888

Serial Number: 21359

Year of Manufacture: 1888 / Antique

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle With Full Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: The octagonal barrel is 24" in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled in two places for installing a tang sight, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, capped forearm, straight comb, and a crescent buttplate. There are scratches, compression, and small nicks throughout. The stocks are shy to the metal. There is a crack in the right side of the wrist at the receiver. The stocks are dark where the wood meets metal. The LOP measures 12 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has dark patina and surface erosion with a series of heavy nicks and dings. The stocks rate in about Fair overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark, the rifling is still defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 3/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. The surfaces have all turned a dark patina with erosion and pitting. The leading edges show thinning and scattered dings. There are tooling marks around some of the screw holes. The screw heads are tool marked to disfigured but all seem serviceable. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.

Our Assessment: This Marlin Model 1888, manufactured in 1888, is an early representative of Marlin's transition into solid frame lever action rifles chambered for the popular .44-40 Winchester cartridge. The Model 1888 was developed in response to the popularity of Winchester and Colt's pistol-caliber repeating rifles and carbines. However, due to the adoption of Marlin's signature side eject models, the 1888 was condemned to only a two-year production run, with less than 5,000 made. Featuring a 24 inch octagonal barrel, full length magazine, and classic crescent buttplate, the Model 1888 reflects the late 19th century sporting rifle aesthetic favored by hunters and outdoorsmen during the black powder and early smokeless crossover period. The drilled and tapped tang underscores period provision for aperture sights, while the overall configuration remains true to Marlin’s robust and practical design philosophy of the era.

Condition is consistent with an antique rifle that saw extended service. The metal has aged to a dark, even patina with visible erosion and pitting, while the bore remains rifled though heavily worn. The walnut stocks show extensive handling wear and include a crack at the wrist, yet remain intact and representative of long use. Markings and screws exhibit age appropriate wear, and the action functions correctly. This Model 1888 presents as an honest, antique Marlin that clearly illustrates the realities of frontier era use and survival into the present day.