Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 1893 Takedown
Serial Number: 117587
Year of Manufacture: 1895 / Antique
Caliber: .32-40
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24" Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a folding Beach combination sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel; the notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The tang is installed with a Marble tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, pistol grip with characteristic "S"-shaped bottom, and a steel crescent buttplate. The checkering is well-defined with light peak wear. There are scattered light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The start of the comb at the wrist has been relieved for the folding tang sight. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the curved steel buttplate, which shows a mottled patina with scattered erosion. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion down the length of the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows much thinning, partial muting of the case colors and a light drift to patina. There is some infrequently scattered oxidation. There are some nicks and scratches dispersed about the surfaces. The case colors still have a relatively strong presence and the whole gun has an honest and well cared for aged appearance. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Comes with CFM record search which confirms that this rifle shipped on February 28, 1895 as a takedown rifle chambered in 32-40 with a 24" Octagon barrel with pistol grip stock. The record search has a typo that has model "1894" instead of "1893"
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1893 was one of Lewis Hepburn’s most important lever-action designs and an important link in the development of the company’s classic centerfire rifle line. Introduced in .32-40 and .38-55, it combined Marlin’s solid-top, side-ejecting action with a stronger locking system suited to full-size sporting cartridges. Marlin offered the 1893 in numerous special configurations, and surviving factory-documented examples demonstrate that takedown actions and pistol-grip stocks were available to buyers willing to order beyond the standard sporting rifle.
Serial 117587 is a particularly appealing early example, with its CFM Record Search confirming shipment on February 28, 1895 as a .32-40 takedown rifle with a 24" octagon barrel and pistol-grip stock. Its checkered walnut furniture, Beach combination front sight, tang aperture sight, and remaining case colors give the rifle considerable period character, while the bright 7/10 bore and correctly functioning action add practical merit. Though the stocks have been refinished and the metal has mellowed to approximately 35% original finish, the rifle retains an attractive, honest antique appearance. The combination of documented takedown construction, pistol-grip configuration, desirable .32-40 chambering, and an early 1895 shipment date makes this an especially interesting Model 1893 for the advanced Marlin collector.
