Make: Marlin Firearms Co.

Model: 1889 Saddle Ring Carbine

Serial Number: 86400

Year of Manufacture: 1893 / Antique

Caliber: .44 Winchester (.44-40)

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 11. 1887. APRIL. 2. 1889” and “44 W.”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The serial number is found on the underside of the receiver.

Barrel Length: 20"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a small block machined to the barrel behind the barrel band. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a fixed v-notch when down and a sliding v-notch leaf when up, dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with a banded forend, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel carbine style buttplate. There are scattered scratches, nicks, and compressions. There are some small chips in the bottom front of the forend. The LOP measures approximately 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate, which has worn white and shows scattered light erosion. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with sharp rifling where no interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Most of the finish on the receiver has worn to white. Most of the finish that remains is held on the rear portion of the barrel. There is light erosion throughout. There is some saddle ring wear on the left side of the receiver. There are scattered handling marks and nicks. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety functions properly. The hammer has a half cock safety position that holds. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Marlin factory records letter indicating that this serial number was produced as a carbine, caliber .44 with a 20” barrel and shipped March 4, 1893.

Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1889 Lever Action was the first of Marlin’s solid top, side ejection rifles. All the lever rifle models that followed (1894, 1895, 39 and 336) descend from this design. This example was produced in 1893, only a few short years after its introduction. It is in surprisingly good shape for a rifle over 130 years old! This will make a great addition to any lever action collection, especially with the included factory records letter.