Make: Marlin
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 230008
Year of Manufacture: 1900 / C&R
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 notch is fine adjustable for elevation. 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. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Fine 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 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows standard handling and operational wear. There is scattered light intermittent oxidation. The case colors have generally muted with some nice figuring preserved in the protected areas. There is thinning on the leading edges. The barrel retains a good amount of its blue finish with light intermittent mottled patina. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 the company’s compact lever-action counterpart to the larger Model 1893, built for the popular .25-20, .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 cartridges. Its solid-top receiver and side-ejection system distinguished Marlin rifles from competing top-eject designs, while the strong, smooth action and shared rifle-and-revolver chamberings made the Model 1894 a practical sporting arm of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Manufactured in 1900, this rifle’s .32-20 chambering, full-length magazine, and 24-inch octagonal barrel form a classic turn-of-the-century Marlin sporting configuration.
This rifle retains about 65% of its original blue and case-colored finish, with thinning along the leading edges, scattered light oxidation, and attractive traces of case-color figuring remaining in protected areas. The smooth walnut stocks remain in Fine condition with scattered handling marks and no cracks, while the bright bore has sharp rifling, light scattered erosion, and rates 7/10. The action functions correctly, and the clear markings and generally serviceable screws further support its well-preserved presentation. With honest original finish, a desirable octagonal barrel, and the balance and utility of the .32-20 cartridge, this is an appealing early Model 1894 for the Marlin or Old West lever-action collector.
