Make: Marlin
Model: 1889 Deluxe New Safety Repeating Rifle
Serial Number: 87603
Year of Manufacture: 1893 / Antique
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Half-Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: The half-octagonal and half-round barrel is 24" in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble Sheard beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-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 checkered walnut with a S-shaped bottom semi-pistol grip, straight comb, crescent steel buttplate, and capped forend. There are scattered light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel, trigger, and magtube. Case Hardened receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion scattered about the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. There is thinning on the leading edges. There are scattered handling marks and light operational wear on the action. The case colors are strong with muting on the edges and high contact points. The edges of the barrel are sharp. There is intermittent light oxidation. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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: This rifle comes with a CFM Record Search confirming this rifle was shipped March 23,1893 chambered in .38, with a 1/2 Octagon 24" barrel, pistol grip stock, and half magazine.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 1889 was an important step in the development of the company's lever-action line, introducing the solid-top, side-ejecting receiver arrangement that would become a defining Marlin feature. Marketed as the "New Safety" repeating rifle, the Model 1889 was offered in popular revolver-length cartridges including .38-40 Winchester and could be special ordered with features such as pistol-grip stocks, special-profile barrels, shortened magazines, and case-colored receivers. Collector research notes that case-colored receivers were available as an extra-cost option rather than the normal finish. This rifle's CFM Records Search is especially valuable, documenting its March 23, 1893 shipment in .38 caliber with a 24" half-octagon barrel, pistol-grip stock, and half magazine.
This rifle remains in Fine condition, retaining approximately 85% of its original metal finish with strong case colors, only light edge muting, intermittent oxidation, and modest handling and operational wear. The checkered walnut stocks remain Fine, and the bright bore retains sharp rifling with only scattered light erosion, rating 7/10. The action functions correctly. Most importantly, the CFM documentation confirms the combination of pistol-grip stock, 24" half-octagon barrel, half magazine, and .38 chambering, giving collectors strong factory support for the rifle's distinctive special-order configuration. With its high surviving condition, attractive case colors, documented configuration, and desirable .38-40 chambering, this is a particularly appealing early Marlin for the advanced lever-action collector.
