Make: Marlin

Model: 1881, Heavy Receiver, Second Variation

Serial Number: 25783

Year of Manufacture: 1889 / Antique

Caliber: .40-60

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 “v”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and mounted with a tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a smooth steel buttplate. There are a few scattered compression marks and minor nicks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The buttplate has worn to white with scattered minor surface erosion. The stocks rate on Fine overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is light intermittent erosion down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is fairly strong and complete throughout. There is intermittent oxidation and the magtube is turning a subtle patina. The case color on the hammer and lever is mostly muted with some remnant color reserved on the hammer. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some tool marks on the left side of the receiver around the screw and some more on the right side of the receiver around one of the pins. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are mostly clear, the patent dates on the barrel are a bit difficult to make out. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine 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 great shape for its age, retaining 75% original finish, a pretty strong bore, and great mechanics. This would be a terrific addition to a Marlin collection, especially one lacking their earliest repeating rifle.