Marlin 1891 2nd Variation .32 CF 28” Blue Lever Action Rifle 1892 Antique
Sold for: $2,450
LSB#: 200812JM01
Make: Marlin
Model: 1891 2nd Variation
Serial Number: 74507
Year of Manufacture: 1892
Caliber: 32 Centerfire. The rifle was made to fire either .32 Short or Long Rimfire and by only changing firing pins, it could fire .32 Short Colt or .32 Long Colt (centerfire cartridges). The breech face has a rectangular slot for the firing pin, and depending on which firing pin is used, it will hit either the outside edge of the cartridge or the center. This rifle does not come with the Rimfire firing pin.
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CT, U.S.A. / PAT’D. NOV.1911878. APRIL 2.1889. AUG.12.1890. MARCH 1.1892.” in front of the rear sight. There is no caliber marking on the barrel. We removed the tang sight and there were no markings present either. The serial number is marked on the underside of the receiver. The inside of the buttplate is marked “103340” and the stock is stamped “381862” at the inlet for the top tang.
Barrel Length: 28”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang currently has a Lyman #2 peep sight installed as pictured.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut and “S”-shaped steel buttplate. The buttstock has beautiful high grade wood figuring. It has a dull appearance in some places and pooling of lacquer at the belly. It is our opinion that the buttstock is in process of being finished, with some scratch marks to the wood from aggressive cleaning under the current finish and prior sanding. There are no major chips or cracks noticed and the wood to metal fit is acceptable. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate is refinished blue. Overall, the stocks are in about good plus overall condition as in the process of restoration.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: The bluing to the receiver and barrel appear original. The Case color to the hammer and lever also appears original. The buttplate has been refinished. The buttstock has signs of refinish as well. We did not remove the forend, it appears original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling sharp. There is some old stubborn fouling in some of the lands and very light pitting. Not bad considering the age.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some patches of scratched thinning though the finish in a few places on the barrel and the right side of the receiver to the side plate. There is evidence of old light pitting in these places and the finish loss is a result of abrasive cleaning to remedy the rust in those areas. The case coloring is mostly bright with a bad patch noticed at the front of the lever and to the left side of the hammer spur. The screw heads are sharp with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good 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: None.
Our Assessment: The first impression goes a long way with us. When you first get a look at this rifle it has honest bluing to the receiver and barrel along with crisp markings. The finish loss is in commonly handled areas and likely a result of cleaning. The buttstock definitely catches your eye when you first look at the gun. It is figured beautifully. We pulled the buttplate (it is supposed to be case colored if original) and noticed the different number leading us to pull the stock and it too has a different number from the buttplate and the receiver. At close inspection the stock finish is uneven leading us to believe it is an unfinished project by the previous owner. The gun currently has the 32 CF firing pin installed, making it a nice candidate for the Marlin collector looking for a nice antique rifle with beautiful eye catching features to take to the range.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This Antique rifle can be sold and shipped direct.
