Make: Marlin

Model: 1893

Serial Number: 335452

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1905

Caliber: .32-40 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 26", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Redfield brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Redfield "U"-notch elevator sight with a vertical white aiming reference dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation and can be reversed to present a "V"-notch. The sights are not original to the rifle. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with mounting screws installed, presumably for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, semi-crescent steel buttplate and a capped forend. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are infrequent spots of pooled finish. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows shows wear, nicks, and scratches with most of the face gone to a moderate patina. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, the top tang and tang inlet are serial-matched.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is fairly well defined. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 4/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel and magazine tube have scattered wear with the worn areas going to a light patina. The receiver has mostly muted with some areas of good case color and others gone to a patina. There is scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Good condition.

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 is the first rifle Marlin designed for, then new, smokeless powder cartridges. Marlin christened the improved lever-action Model 1893, and offered it as a rifle or a saddle-ring carbine, both featuring case hardened receivers and sporting blued Ballard match-grade barrels. In 1895, Marlin began chambering its Model 1893 for smokeless powder cartridges. Manufactured in the early 20th century, this example is in nice condition given its age of more than 120 years, with a smokeless powder barrel chambered for .32-40. It will display well as-is in a Marlin collection and would make a fun restoration project for anyone up to the task. Please see our photos and good luck!