Make: Marlin
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 143260
Year of Manufacture: 1896 / Antique
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade set between a base, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and a steel crescent buttplate while the forend has a steel nose cap. There are no cracks. There are scattered scratches, nicks, and compressions. There are minor losses along the wrist around the tangs and receiver. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light scattered erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear. There is scattered intermittent oxidation. The case color is vibrant with light muting on the high edges. There is thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1894 was one of the company’s most successful and enduring lever-action designs, introduced as a smaller-framed companion to the Model 1889 and built specifically around pistol-caliber cartridges. Chambered in popular rounds such as .25-20, .32-20 Winchester, .38-40, and .44-40, the Model 1894 became a favorite among hunters, ranchers, and outdoorsmen who valued a lightweight, fast-handling rifle capable of taking small game and serving as a practical companion arm. Produced during the height of the lever-action era, early Marlin Model 1894 rifles represent an important chapter in American firearms history and remain highly sought after by collectors.
This 1896-production example is a desirable antique Marlin Model 1894 with the classic 24” octagonal barrel, full-length magazine tube, crescent buttplate, and case-colored receiver. It retains about 85% of its original finish with strong blue remaining on the metal, vibrant case colors with expected muting, and only light handling wear and oxidation. The walnut stocks remain in Very Good condition with honest period use and no cracks, while the bore rates 7/10 with sharp rifling and light scattered erosion. With its antique status, original finish, desirable .32-20 Winchester chambering, and classic late-19th-century Marlin configuration, this rifle represents an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking a well-preserved example of Marlin’s early lever-action craftsmanship.
