Make: Marlin

Model: 1881, Heavy Receiver, 2nd Variation

Serial Number: 17120

Year of Manufacture: 1887 / Antique

Caliber: .45-70 Government

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle

Barrel Length: 28" Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with a capped forearm, Marling S-shape pistol grip, straight comb, and a smooth steel buttplate. There are a few minor handling marks. The checkering is crisp. There is a very small crack on the left edge of the forend, other than this, there are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures about 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has worn to white with scattered minor surface oxidation. The stocks rate in Fine overall condition as Antique. The stocks have slightly shrunk due to age, but there are no overt signs of sanding.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very faint erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout with finish thinning on some of the edges. Strongest finish is in the barrel flats and magazine tube with good remaining finish in the receiver. The case color has muted mostly with some somewhat vibrant case showing in the hammer. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is light intermittent oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine Plus condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: As stated by the National Firearms Museum, “In 1881, the Marlin Firearms Company was incorporated, and production of Ballard rifles continued under the Marlin banner until they were eventually discontinued circa 1891 due to the rising popularity of repeating rifles. Marlin-Ballard rifles were and are well-known for their accuracy and workmanship, and fancy-grade long-range rifles are eagerly sought after by modern collectors. Marlin continued to expand his product line, introducing his Model 1881 lever-action tubular magazine repeating rifle in that year. Many key features had been patented by Andrew Burgess and others, but John Marlin incorporated these into a single functional firearm. This rifle was available in a variety of calibers ranging from .32-40 to 45-70 Government, a feature that would not be duplicated by competing Winchesters for several more years.”

This example is in amazing shape for its age, retaining nearly 90% of its original finish, a very strong bore, and great mechanics. This would be a terrific addition to a Marlin collection, especially one lacking their earliest repeating rifle.