Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1894 32-20 Winchester Lever Action Rifle 1901 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1026

LSB#: 210323TB02

Make: Marlin

Model: 1894

Serial Number: 232607

Year of Manufacture: 1901

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO. NEW-HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 11. 1887. APRIL 2. 1889. AUG. 1. 1893.” in front of the rear sight and “32-20” at the receiver. The underside of the receiver is marked “232607”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The top tang is marked “MODEL / 1894”.

Barrel Length: The octagonal barrel is 24” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator leaf dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb, and a blue steel crescent rifle style buttplate while the forend has a steel nose cap. The wood shows infrequent little compressions, dings, and light draglines that have darkened with age. The grains in the would have become a bit more pronounced with age as well. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows a mottled dark patina. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: The barrel, magazine tube and bolt are blued. The receiver, lever and hammer are case colored.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is deep. There is evenly distributed erosion throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. There is scattered oxidation throughout the metal. The magazine tube has turned to a pleasant patina. The case colored components have lost their finish. There is thinning at the leading edges of the barrel. There are small nicks, dings, and scratches throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool-marked with strong, usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, though is a bit stiff. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire 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 Marlin 1894 model was preceded by their Models 1881, 1888 and 1889, finally resulting in a short action side ejecting rifle that was chambered in the same cartridges as Winchester’s Model 1892. The lever throw is shorter than any other stock pistol caliber lever action rifle and as smooth as they come. This vintage rifle is in Good-plus condition, in better condition than any of us are likely to be at 120 years old. The mechanics are solid and the bore has strong rifling with just a bit of erosion scattered through it. With its original stock and chambered in the classic .32-20 cartridge, this rifle is sure to get the attention of the Marlin collectors out there. Please see our photos and good luck!

Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1894 32-20 Winchester Lever Action Rifle 1901 C&R
Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1894 32-20 Winchester Lever Action Rifle 1901 C&R